Literary notes about asterisk (AI summary)
In literary texts, the asterisk functions as a versatile marker that organizes and enhances meaning. It is used to denote special treatment or additional commentary, such as indicating corrections, reprints, or omitted details [1, 2]. Often, it distinguishes noteworthy entries—marking distinguished stories, specific types of literature, or even highlighting authors from particular backgrounds [3, 4]. Moreover, the symbol can serve as a sign to alert readers about ambiguities or uncertainties in the text, pointing to glossaries, definitions, or unresolved content [5, 6]. In more creative instances, an asterisk adopts a playful role, even becoming a character’s namesake, which underlines its multifaceted presence in literature [7, 8]. This modest symbol, therefore, carries a weight of editorial, referential, and even artistic significance that enriches the reader’s experience.
- [xiii] BIBLIOGRAPHY An asterisk (*) preceding a reference indicates that the entire article or a part of it has been reprinted in this volume.
— from Selected Articles on the Parcels Post - An asterisk after the page number indicates that the correction was specified by the publisher.
— from Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume III (Commodore B. Von Wullerstorf-Urbair,) Undertaken by Order of the Imperial Government in the Years 1857, 1858, & 1859, Under the Immediate Auspices of His I. and R. Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, Commander-In-Chief of the Austrian Navy. by Scherzer, Karl, Ritter von - The best stories are indicated by an asterisk before the title of the story.
— from The Best Short Stories of 1921, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story - An asterisk before the name of an author indicates that he is not an American.
— from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story - An asterisk below indicates a blank or smudged place in the original type.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - Where a well-grounded doubt exists, an asterisk is prefixed to the name.
— from The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3) or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac by William Hone - Nearly all had described St. Vitus as a nap, setting up the name not only in capitals but with a faithful asterisk beside it.
— from Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, September 22, 1920 by Various - the Duchess replied quickly, "Miss Asterisk dines here to-morrow; pray come; you would like her if you knew more of her."
— from The Parisians — Volume 09 by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron
