Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Lineage (AI summary)

The use of the word "lineage" in literature often functions as a marker of heritage and social identity, a concept that not only defines individual character but also weaves into larger narratives of nobility and destiny. In many works, lineage is portrayed as a source of both honor and burden, as seen in medieval romances and epic sagas where a noble bloodline, such as that of ancient warriors and kings, confers legitimacy and responsibility ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At times, it is used to emphasize the contrasts between social statuses, as in the brisk challenges of identity in Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe ([5], [6], [7], [8]) and the satirical treatments found in Ben Jonson’s writings ([9], [10], [11]). Moreover, authors extend the significance of lineage to encompass spiritual and symbolic realms, suggesting its power to shape fate and legacy, whether in mythic tales or philosophical dialogues ([12], [13], [14]). Thus, across a diverse range of literary genres—from heroic epics to reflective dramas—the word "lineage" continues to serve as a vital tool in exploring the intersections of family, honor, and historical continuity.
  1. They are death-omens, ancient of lineage and still encountered.
    — from British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Wirt Sikes
  2. ] 196 [ Militem (soldier) here signifies a full-fledged gentleman, of ancient lineage.
    — from Pan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania by Adam Mickiewicz
  3. It was into a pious Brahmin family of ancient lineage that Lahiri Mahasaya was born September 30, 1828.
    — from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
  4. Jesu, said the king, I marvel what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come.
    — from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory
  5. “What is thine own name and lineage?”
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  6. What is his name and lineage?”
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  7. “My name,” said the Knight, raising his helmet, “is better known, my lineage more pure, Malvoisin, than thine own.
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  8. I tell thee, the Princes of the House of Anjou confer not their wards on men of such lineage as thine.”
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  9. A fasting-day no sooner comes, but my lineage goes to wrack; poor cobs!
    — from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson
  10. what lineage, what lineage? Cob.
    — from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson
  11. Why, sir, an ancient lineage, and a princely.
    — from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson
  12. He rightfully receives it only from another swami; all monks thus trace their spiritual lineage to one common guru, Lord Shankara.
    — from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
  13. "Thinkest thou my race is lowly, Dost thou think me born ignoble, Does my lineage agrieve thee?
    — from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete
  14. Nothing that we know of in the circumstances of their birth or lineage will explain their appearance.
    — from The Republic by Plato

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux