Literary notes about advent (AI summary)
The word “advent” in literature is employed to signal the arrival of a significant person, event, or period that often marks a turning point or a new beginning. In historical narratives, it marks the arrival of foreign influences or rulers and the transformation they bring, as when the arrival of white men opens up lucrative pursuits for natives ([1]) or when the coming of a strong emperor is eagerly anticipated by his subjects ([2]). In religious and mythological texts, it is used to signify both the prophesied return of a savior ([3], [4]) and the dramatic ushering in of a sacred era, as with the advent of Christ ([5], [6]), while in more secular contexts it may denote the onset of everyday happenings, such as the arrival of a schoolmistress or a visitor ([7], [8]). Moreover, the term carries a technological and cultural charge as well—illustrating shifts like the advent of the motor car ([9]) or the introduction of the coffee house in London as a place of vibrant social life ([10]). This layering of meanings across disciplines enhances its powerful effect within literary narratives, marking moments of anticipation and change ([11], [12]).
- Here, through the advent of white men, a new and very lucrative and absorbing pursuit has opened up for the natives.
— from Argonauts of the Western Pacific by Bronislaw Malinowski - Their hope lay in the advent of a strong Emperor, who should depute to them his rights over the money-getting, low-born crowd.
— from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - Both anticipate a second advent or new Savior on the occasion.
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - The great Mediator and Final Judge was expected, and his advent desired, that an end might be put to their calamities."
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - In any case, and in spite of whatever may be said, the French Revolution is the most important step of the human race since the advent of Christ.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - For before His advent He had not yet been desired by all nations.
— from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - He seated himself upon one of the rickety chairs, and waited patiently for the advent of the schoolmistress.
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - “Oh, we’ve had a splendid evening,” cried Helen, who always woke up at the advent of a visitor.
— from Howards End by E. M. Forster - In the future the motor car will revolutionize our modes of life to an extent comparable to the changes effected by the advent of the steam-engine.
— from How it Works by Archibald Williams - Such then was the advent of the coffee house in London, which introduced to English-speaking people the drink of democracy.
— from All About Coffee by William H. Ukers - Thus commenced the festivities to celebrate the advent of the first tooth of the Heir of Applebite.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - Cosette’s childhood and girlhood, her advent in the daylight, her virginal growth towards life and light, had been sheltered by that hideous devotion.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
