Literary notes about Thing (AI summary)
The word "thing" serves as a versatile placeholder that can denote a physical object, an abstract idea, a consequential action, or even an emotional state in literature. Authors employ it to create ambiguity or to condense complex situations into a single, relatable term. For instance, it can evoke a sense of impending risk when characterizing a rash action ([1]) or capture an elusive mental preoccupation ([2]), while in other contexts it stands in for an abstract moral truth or fate ([3], [4]). At times, “thing” conveys an evaluative quality, from something beautiful and cherished ([5]) to expressions of exasperation or even humor ([6], [7]). This multifaceted use allows writers to mirror the complexities of human experience with a single, often understated word.
- It’s a rash thing to do, and might cost you your life.”
— from Father Goriot by Honoré de Balzac - Possibly I am letting the thing prey on my mind too much.
— from Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse - The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
— from In Darkest Africa, Vol. 2; or, The Quest, Rescue, and Retreat of Emin, Governor of Equatoria by Henry M. (Henry Morton) Stanley - I understood the blessed thing which I had called my curse.
— from Anthem by Ayn Rand - He is not in the least like you; it is an exquisite thing, a great, a beautiful thing, his friendship for me.
— from Swann's Way by Marcel Proust - “Only tell me just one thing—only just one—please!
— from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete by Mark Twain - Of course, it was the thing to do, and I was up and out in a moment.
— from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain
