Literary notes about When (AI summary)
The word "when" in literature serves as a versatile connector, often marking a specific moment in time or introducing a condition that sets the stage for subsequent events. In historical narratives such as Herodotus’ account ([1]) or biblical texts ([2], [3]), "when" anchors the reader to pivotal moments that underline cause and effect. In poetic language, as seen in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnets ([4]) and Robert Burns’s verse ([5]), it not only situates the action temporally but also imbues the lines with a lyrical, reflective quality. In fictional narratives, authors like Mark Twain ([6]) and Charles Dickens ([7]) use "when" to trigger narrative shifts, heightening suspense or marking transitions, while in philosophical and rhetorical texts, its use can underline abstract relationships or conditions ([8], [9]). Thus, "when" enriches literary work by constantly linking time, condition, and emotion in both subtle and dramatic ways.
- When this nation also had been subdued by Cyrus, he had a desire to bring the Massagetai into subjection to himself.
— from The History of Herodotus — Volume 1 by Herodotus - When a man hath done, then shall he begin: and when he leaveth off, he shall be at a loss.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Therefore was there a remnant left to the earth, when the flood came.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - XXXIV With the same heart, I said, I’ll answer thee As those, when thou shalt call me by my name— Lo, the vain promise!
— from Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning - When rosy May comes in wi' flowers, To deck her gay, green-spreading bowers, Then busy, busy are his hours, The Gard'ner wi' his paidle.
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - We were questioned about it, when I made a statement.
— from Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain - When you told me your own story, you told me plainly that you began adoring her the first time you saw her, when you were very young indeed.”
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - [Pg 190] When we say that these principles are forces, we do not take the word in a metaphorical sense; they act just like veritable forces.
— from The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life by Émile Durkheim - As, for instance, when any thing becomes greater, is it not necessary that, from being previously smaller, it afterward became greater?" " Yes."
— from Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato
