Literary notes about Swift (AI summary)
The word "swift" in literature serves as a versatile descriptor that can denote both literal rapidity and a metaphorical suddenness. It often captures fleeting moments—like a glance that conveys unspoken triumph ([1])—or underscores the forceful, almost instantaneous arrival of consequences in epic narratives ([2], [3]). In poetry and classic epic verse, it vividly portrays the speed of natural forces or heroic actions, as with the imagery of a bird or arrow in flight ([4]). Beyond physical motion, the term also conveys mental and emotional alacrity, suggesting characters who are quick of thought or response ([5], [6]). Overall, "swift" enriches texts by bridging the tangible and the abstract, imbuing scenes with both kinetic energy and symbolic weight.
- Holmes cast a swift glance of triumph at me.
— from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle - Bowed down by her oppressive hand, The helpless, lordless, godless land, Cursed for Kaikeyí's guilt will fall, And swift destruction seize it all.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Before his awful feet she bent And fell with piercing cries, As when a bolt in swift descent Comes flashing from the skies.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Swift as a swallow sweeps the liquid way, The winged pinnace shot along the sea.
— from The Odyssey by Homer - "The records of many more such cases lie before me [Mr. Swift goes on]; an encyclopedia might easily be filled with their kind.
— from Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking by William James - How swift is the progress of things and men!
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle
