Literary notes about Prod (AI summary)
In literature, "prod" serves as both a literal and metaphorical catalyst that pushes characters or situations into motion. It can denote a physical jab or poke—such as the goading of cattle with a long pole [1], the sharp thrust of a stick against an animal [2], or even an instrument used to spur a reluctant character into action [3]—while also conveying the figurative nudge that incites inner strength or prompts decisive behavior, as when courage is described as the prod that releases one’s last reserve of force [4]. At times the word carries a more sinister undercurrent; familiar devils may prod misers and gluttons into sin [5] or a boot’s prod may awaken harsh realities in a character [6]. Thus, the term enriches narratives by intertwining physical coercion with the stirring of deeper, often ambivalent impulses [7],[8].
- To prod cattle by means of a long pole, to pull out smothered sheep, are not in themselves degrading deeds, but they are not picturesque in quality.
— from The Eagle's Heart by Hamlin Garland - Dave followed it for a few paces, then stopped abruptly and began to prod the sand with a stick which he had picked up for that purpose.
— from The Boy Scouts of the Life Saving Crew by Robert Shaler - The third prod did it: and he turned over on the other side, and said he would be down in a minute, and that he would have his lace-up boots.
— from Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome - Courage, born of self-confidence, is the prod which brings out the last ounce of reserve force.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - Gluttons and misers are always accompanied by familiar devils, who prod and goad them into such sin as shall make them their prey at the last.
— from Arts and Crafts in the Middle AgesA Description of Mediaeval Workmanship in Several of the Departments of Applied Art, Together with Some Account of Special Artisans in the Early Renaissance by Julia de Wolf Gibbs Addison - He awoke to the vigorous prod of a contemptuous boot.
— from Broken to the Plow A Novel by Charles Caldwell Dobie - Its message is rather a prod to pride; the very heavens seek to arouse man's determination to be free from every limitation.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - “It lies in my disposition to dig to the bottom of things—to prod people till they squirm.”
— from The Messenger of the Black Prince by Thomas A. H. Mawhinney
