Literary notes about Sent (AI summary)
The term “sent” appears in literature in a variety of contexts, serving both literal and symbolic functions. Often it denotes a direct action—someone is dispatched or summoned, as when a master calls a servant to his house [1] or when authorities send for a character to convey important orders or news [2, 3]. In military and diplomatic settings, it signals strategic movements, such as commanders being sent to engage the enemy [4, 5] or messengers dispatched with crucial messages [6, 7]. At times the word takes on a more abstract meaning, evoking emotions or subtle influences—as seen when a glow is “sent” to a character’s heart [8] or when divine purpose is implied through one who is sent by God [9, 10]. Through these diverse applications, “sent” enriches narratives by underscoring themes of authority, connection, and the transfer of both tangible and intangible forces.
- In the midst of these elevated ideas, and while I was about getting my little merchandize in readiness, one Sunday my master sent for me to his house.
— from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African by Equiano - The next day Bessie was sent for home to the deathbed of her little sister.
— from Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë - ‘Why have you not sent to me?’ said Ralph.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - Then he divided his forces in three, and sent on two-thirds of his ships, appointing a few men to row to the river Susa.
— from The Danish History, Books I-IX by Grammaticus Saxo - Both the consuls were sent with an army, and find the enemy in their usual post in Algidum.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - And Absalom sent spies into all the tribes of Israel, saying: As soon as you shall hear the sound of the trumpet, say ye: Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Immediately afterward, the Duke of Alva sent an invitation to Egmont to be the guest of honor at a banquet in his own house.
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - It sent a glow to her heart, to know how she could feel towards one who had reason to despise her.
— from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God doth not give the Spirit by measure.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And the Lord looked upon him, and said: Go, in this thy strength, and thou shalt deliver Israel out of the hand of Madian: know that I have sent thee.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete