Literary notes about Token (AI summary)
In literature, token is often employed as a tangible symbol that represents an abstract quality, emotion, or commitment. Its usage spans from a simple gesture of gratitude—as when a character kisses a hand in gratitude [1] or presses a hand in sign of respect [2]—to an object that embodies remembrance or honor, such as a cherished gift or medal [3, 4]. At times, token also functions as a visible marker of an agreement or a state of mind, signifying everything from intent or approval [5, 6] to refusal or disapprobation [7]. This multifaceted term thus bridges the inner sentiments of characters with their external expressions, giving concrete form to the intangible.
- I kissed his hand in token of my gratitude.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - Mr. Hale shook his head despondingly: he pressed her hand in token of gratitude.
— from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - To Nora I wrote:— ‘This letter will be found in my bosom along with the token you gave me.
— from Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray - She ceased; and from her glorious hair She took a gem that sparkled there A token which her husband's eyes With eager love would recognize.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Thrice did he doubt, and thrice did Jove thunder from the heights of Ida in token to the Trojans that he would turn the battle in their favour.
— from The Iliad by Homer - “And now, in token of candor, I ask you to reveal to me your chief passion,” said the latter.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - Dantès endeavored to renew the subject; the abbé shook his head in token of disapproval, and refused to make any further response.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
