Literary notes about Tarry (AI summary)
The term "tarry" is used in literature to evoke a deliberate pause or lingering, often lending a classical or reflective tone to the text. It frequently appears as an invitation to delay departure or action, whether to extend a moment of reflection or to fulfill a specific purpose. For instance, in a religious cadence, it expresses a momentary stay as part of divine instruction [1], while in dramatic dialogue it signals a cautious hesitation before proceeding with one's course [2]. Authors like Dickens and Bunyan use it to punctuate narrative tension, where a character is urged to remain for just a moment until circumstances unfold [3], [4]. This versatile usage enriches the language, contributing not only to the period flavor of the work but also to the underlying themes of waiting and the passage of time in the unfolding drama.
- And when they desired him that he would tarry a longer time, he consented not: 18:21.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - You may be gone; it is not good you tarry here.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Indeed, the Spirit did not stay for anything, but went straight on, as to the end just now desired, until besought by Scrooge to tarry for a moment.
— from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - That I think he doth; but, however, let us tarry for him.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read by John Bunyan
