Literary notes about Recess (AI summary)
In literature, the word "recess" serves as a versatile device that can evoke either a hidden, secluded physical space or a pause in activity. Many authors use it to designate literal alcoves or niches—quiet corners of rooms or walls that offer concealment or reflection, as seen when a character retreats into the recess of a window or chamber ([1], [2], [3]). Simultaneously, “recess” also captures moments of interruption or rest in the flow of events, whether referring to a break in proceedings or a pause during a busy day ([4], [5], [6]). This dual usage enriches narratives by imbuing scenes with both an atmosphere of mystery and the rhythm of life’s ebb and flow ([7], [8]).
- They are curtained within the recess, by a thick silver tissue adapted to the shape of the window, and hanging loosely in small volumes.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - Now he halted in the recess of the window.
— from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle - In the recess stood a beautiful vase containing a huge bouquet of lotus flowers, standing quite six feet high.
— from A Diplomat in Japan by Ernest Mason Satow - day of rest, dies non, Sabbath, Lord's day, holiday, red-letter day, vacation, recess.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget - He could not wait for the midday recess, but seized a moment's leisure in court to scribble his telegram to Gerty Farish.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - The Court then took a recess for a couple of hours.
— from The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner - It was in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavored to pry into the depths of the recess.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2 by Edgar Allan Poe - The fifteen minutes seemed an hour; but they came to an end at last, and the word "Recess!" had never seemed so welcome to her before.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott
