Literary notes about Servant (AI summary)
In literature, the word servant is employed in a variety of contexts that extend far beyond its literal meaning. It appears in formal closings that affirm a writer’s loyalty and humility, as in letters where individuals sign off as “Your obedient servant” ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, narrative works use the figure of the servant to develop themes of class, duty, and the subtle dynamics of power—as when a humble character’s actions lend insight into social hierarchies and human frailty ([4], [5], [6]). Moreover, in biblical and allegorical texts, the servant symbolizes submission to divine or moral order, reflecting a relationship in which duty and obedience are paramount ([7], [8], [9]). Even in metaphoric expressions where the servant becomes emblematic of a guiding principle or internal disposition, the term continues to evoke questions about authority and the nature of service ([10], [11], [12]).
- I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, ( Signed ) Wm.
— from The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by James H. Blount - Their faithful Friend and Servant, C. D. December, 1843.
— from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, commanding Division.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - From the poultry-yard was heard the screaming of the fowls whom the servant was chasing in order to wring their necks.
— from Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert - We occupied a commodious carriage, our servant officiated as coachman.
— from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - Don’t be afraid, on that account, of my feelings as a man getting in the way of my duty as a servant!
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - And whosoever will be first among you shall be the servant of all.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And worshipping, said: What saith my lord to his servant?
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - O Lord, for I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - If money be not thy servant, it will be thy master.
— from Character and ConductA Book of Helpful Thoughts by Great Writers of Past and Present Ages - Merry Report in Heywood’s Weather constantly moralizes, and speaks of himself as the servant of God in contrast with the devil.
— from The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson - Imagination is a good servant, and a bad master.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie