Literary notes about Valley (AI summary)
In literature the word “valley” is far more than a mere geographical term—it is a dynamic image charged with myriad meanings. Often, it provides a backdrop of serene natural beauty and isolation, serving as a space for introspection or retreat as seen in pastoral descriptions [1], [2]. Yet the valley also frequently carries ominous connotations; its depths may evoke danger, desolation, or even spiritual trial, as illustrated by references to the “valley of the shadow” [3] or the desolate, almost hellish imagery in [4]. Moreover, its versatile symbolism appears in strategic or historical contexts [5], [6], underscoring its role as a stage upon which human endeavors, conflicts, or transformations are played out. Thus, the valley in literature becomes a multifaceted symbol—a site of both beauty and peril, of repose and dramatic upheaval.
- He left the valley and went on his wandering way again.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - The prospect in front was more extensive; it commanded the whole of the valley, and reached into the country beyond.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - Why, we were almost in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but that by good hap we looked before us, and saw the danger before we came to it.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read by John Bunyan - From that sad valley [782] we our backs turned round, Up the encircling rampart making way Nor uttering, as we crossed it, any sound.
— from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - It is to be noted, too, that Jackson’s initial objectives—the strategical points in the Valley—were invariably well selected.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget - 424 The material results of the Valley campaign were by no means inconsiderable.
— from Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
