Literary notes about They (AI summary)
The pronoun “they” is exceptionally versatile in literature, serving not only as a marker for plural subjects but also as a tool to convey collective voices, implicit judgments, or even authorial distance. In some works it functions to generalize popular belief or rumor—for example, “They say many young gentlemen flock to him…” ([1]) while in others it represents specific groups whose actions propel the narrative, as when characters are described collectively embarking on an adventure or displaying emotion ([2], [3]). “They” can also introduce historical observations or cultural norms, as seen with its use in classical texts ([4], [5]), and at times it imbues the text with an air of mystery or collective responsibility ([6], [7]). Overall, this small yet potent pronoun helps authors both define groups and subtly influence the reader’s understanding of a community or societal commentary.
- They say many young gentlemen flock to him every day, and fleet the time carelessly, as they did in the golden world.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - They were at the head of the stairs, and as Amory turned into his room he thought he caught just the faintest cloud of discontent in her face.
— from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Then they all went back into the forest once more, where they found the widow's three sons, who ran to Little John and kissed his hands.
— from The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle - Upon this, as they say, he immediately cut the whetstone in two.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - After Æneas, whom they deified, Latium had eleven kings, none of whom was deified.
— from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - One lingered long among the dynamos, for they were new, and they gave to history a new phase.
— from The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams - They are all worn out, only I enjoy perfect happiness.
— from Uncle Vanya: Scenes from Country Life in Four Acts by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
