Literary notes about Purl (AI summary)
The word “purl” showcases a fascinating versatility in literature, appearing both in the meticulous language of knitting instructions and as a poetic element in narrative prose. In technical passages, “purl” directs the reader through detailed crafting patterns—indicating specific stitches to perform, as seen in directives like “knit across and purl back” or “purl the first 2 stitches on each needle together” ([1], [2]). In contrast, it also enriches the literary texture of a narrative, evoking soft, continuous sounds or even serving as a playful term for a drink, such as in the imagery where “the purl warms the cockles of Tom's heart” or suggests “a glass o' purl” to revive one’s spirit ([3], [4]). This interplay between precise craft instruction and evocative description underlines the word’s ability to convey both technical and sensory experiences within literary texts.
- Cast on, say, 12 stitches, knit across and purl back, repeating these two rows until you have a square.
— from Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet by Anonymous - Toe. 1st round—purl the first 2 stitches on each needle together.
— from Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln - The purl warms the cockles of Tom's heart, and makes him cough.
— from Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes - Drank a Glass of Purl to recover Appetite.
— from The United States Bill of Rights The Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States by United States
