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Literary notes about WHILST (AI summary)

The term "whilst" functions as a versatile conjunction in literature, signifying both simultaneity and contrast in narrative and descriptive passages. It often marks the temporal overlap between events—as seen when a character's opportunity coincides with fleeting moments of choice [1]—or establishes a counterpoint between differing states or actions, like contrasting the persistent workings of nature with transient human endeavors [2]. In historical texts and philosophical discussions, "whilst" links sequential developments and conditional observations, providing a measured, almost rhythmic flow to the prose [3, 4]. Its use in both dramatic recounting and reflective discourse—from Shakespeare’s invitations [5, 6] to meditative theological writings [7, 8]—lends a formal, enduring quality to the language that continues to resonate with readers.
  1. Let me, my good son, see you whilst I can.
    — from The Life of Horatio, Lord Nelson by Robert Southey
  2. Whilst the eternal generation of circles proceeds, the eternal generator abides.
    — from Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson
  3. Whilst he amused the eyes of the multitude, four hundred vessels were prepared for the embarkation of his troops.
    — from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
  4. We cannot well enjoy two pleasures at once; much less any pleasure almost, whilst pain possesses us.
    — from An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1 by John Locke
  5. Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest Whilst you abide here.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  6. And, whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam, Infus'd itself in thee; for thy desires Are wolfish, bloody, starv'd and ravenous.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  7. Because I was silent, etc... That is, whilst I kept silence, by concealing, or refusing to confess my sins, thy hand was heavy upon me, etc. 31:4.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  8. My life is cut off, as by a weaver: whilst I was yet but beginning, he cut me off: from morning even to night thou wilt make an end of me.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete

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