Literary notes about Prominent (AI summary)
The word “prominent” in literature is remarkably versatile, often used both to underscore outstanding physical traits and to highlight significant social or thematic roles. It can describe notable figures whose influence or social status distinguishes them—such as influential leaders or well-respected personages [1], [2], [3]—while it equally emphasizes striking physical features in vivid character portrayals [4], [5]. Beyond the literal, “prominent” serves a metaphorical function to bring attention to central ideas or prevailing qualities that define an era, institution, or cultural practice [6], [7], [8]. In each instance, the term guides readers to what stands out most, whether it is an individual's distinguishing characteristics or a defining element within a broader narrative context [9], [10].
- The arrests included many rich and prominent Filipinos, and at the end of some weeks the Spanish prisons contained over five thousand suspects.
— from A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows - But Zangwill made it possible for him to meet more than a few prominent, influential Jews of whom he made immediate converts.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl - At his table often sat Phillips, Garrison, Sumner, Wilson and many other prominent men, who all alike admired and loved him.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - Alexey Vronsky’s frowning face turned white, and his prominent lower jaw quivered, which happened rarely with him.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - His eyes were large and prominent, and his expression was grave and thoughtful like that of a Greek philosopher.
— from The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - And then his pride decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and his conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - The general rule, the law, is honoured and made prominent, conversely, the exception is laid aside, and shades are suppressed.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book III and IV by Nietzsche - Prominent among the disturbers were young Horatio Seymour and a son of ex-President Fillmore.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - In his many-sided capacity he strikingly resembles another white man prominent in Cherokee history, General Sam Houston.
— from Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney - [185] It accompanies the more prominent tragic impressions, and, regarded alone, could hardly be called tragic.
— from Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley
