Literary notes about Use (AI summary)
The term "use" in literature serves a number of functions, ranging from the practical application of tools and techniques to more abstract ideas of employing one's abilities or resources. Authors apply it to denote the act of putting objects or methods to work, as seen when a character is told to “use” an item for a particular purpose [1, 2]. At the same time, “use” carries a rhetorical or evaluative weight, questioning the value or appropriateness of an action—for instance, pondering if something is “of use” or if it should be trusted [3, 4]. In various contexts, it also captures the nuanced interplay between functionality and personal agency, highlighting both physical utility and metaphorical employment of ideas [5, 6].
- Use it, by rubbing it over the gloves until the dirt is removed.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - 1789 Cisalpine Gaul was so called because the inhabitants adopted the use of the Roman toga.
— from The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny - “Then you use me, and yet do not trust me!”
— from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle - “It is no use,” said the old man, “there is no wine.”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - You will be of use, for I will tell you the signs by which you can judge about Gorstkin.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - A single talent which one can use effectively is worth more than ten talents imprisoned by ignorance.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden
