Literary notes about Making (AI summary)
The word “making” in literature is showcased as a versatile tool that functions as both an indicator of physical action and a metaphor for broader creative or transformative processes. In many instances, “making” describes tangible movements or gestures, as in Cyrano’s flamboyant noise‐making with weird gestures ([1]), a polite bow ([2]), or making one’s way through a crowd ([3]). It is also employed to denote production or craftsmanship—from the art of making coffee with precise care ([4], [5]), to the literal creation of objects like nests ([6]) or vessels ([7]), and even to articulate the process of constructing addresses or plans for the future ([8], [9]). Furthermore, “making” can carry a figurative meaning, implying transformation or the gradual unfolding of events as characters navigate their world, such as making conquests ([10]) or insuring happiness without traditional bonds ([11]). This range of usage underscores the word’s ability to bridge concrete actions with abstract ideas, enriching narrative texture across genres.
- CYRANO (making a noise like the waves, with weird gestures): Houuh!
— from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand - "Oh, indeed," said the Woodman, making a bow.
— from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - he said, making his way through the crowd.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Of the excellent qualities of coffee, and the art of making it in the highest perfection.
— from All About Coffee by William H. Ukers - Rossignon has given us a general view of coffee making on the continent of Europe in the middle of the nineteenth century.
— from All About Coffee by William H. Ukers - * making her nest in the Sea.) is covered with Feathers ,
— from The Orbis Pictus by Johann Amos Comenius - And the vessel was broken which he was making of clay with his hands: and turning he made another vessel, as it seemed good in his eyes to make it.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And for the first time for a very long while he began making happy plans for the future.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - The legislator is always addressing the speakers or the youth of the state, and the speakers are constantly making addresses to the legislator.
— from Laws by Plato - There are a few here; stop with us for some time, and when you are cured there is nothing to prevent you from making conquests.”
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - The very next day I resolved on insuring Christine’s happiness without making her my wife.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova