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Literary notes about Icon (AI summary)

The term "icon" in literature is remarkably versatile, serving both literal and symbolic functions. In some passages it denotes a tangible, often religious, image that invites reverence and prayer, as seen when characters kiss or pray before it [1], [2], [3], or when it is depicted as a wonder-working object [4], [5]. In other contexts the word transforms to denote a graphic representation within technological or scholarly discourse, illustrating its functional role in interfaces and data systems [6], [7], [8]. Furthermore, "icon" can symbolize an immutable, emblematic presence, as when a character is described as holding himself exactly as though he were an icon [9]. This breadth of usage highlights how the term has come to embody both the sacred and the everyday within literary narratives.
  1. Andrew understood, crossed himself and kissed the icon.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  2. She crossed herself, kissed the icon, and handed it to Andrew.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  3. An immense crowd of bareheaded officers, soldiers, and militiamen surrounded the icon.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  4. Go to Kolyázin where a wonder-working icon of the Holy Mother of God has been revealed.’
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  5. She picked up the saint and reverently kissed his forehead, then held the icon out at arm's length to look at it.
    — from The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Robert Shea
  6. The GNOME desktop project is developing an icon-based file manager and other GUI facilities.
    — from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane
  7. This jack is often marked with the word LINE, with a drawing of a modular wall jack, or another understandable icon.
    — from The Online World by Odd De Presno
  8. Textual information is more readily viewed by clicking on the Field Listing icon next to the Data field title.
    — from The 2010 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency
  9. He holds himself exactly as though he were an icon.
    — from Note-Book of Anton Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

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