Literary notes about bantam (AI summary)
The word "bantam" in literature wears many hats. In historical and geographical texts, it identifies a specific place—often a bustling port or trading post in Java—as seen in contexts where ships head toward a Dutch base at Bantam ([1]) or where permissions were granted to establish a factory there ([2]). At the same time, the term is drawn into characterizations and nicknames, where figures such as Bantam Lyons emerge as memorable, if sometimes cocky, personalities ([3], [4], [5]). Furthermore, authors employ "bantam" to evoke the image of a small yet spirited fowl—symbolizing feistiness or diminutiveness—in works where comparisons with bantam chickens or cock fights add a layer of irony or humor ([6], [7], [8]).
- Thence the vessels went in different directions and on different missions toward the Dutch base at Bantam.
— from History of the Philippine Islands by Antonio de Morga - In 1602 they obtained permission to establish a factory at Bantam, on the island of Java.
— from A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows - If it had been Mr Sheridan or Mr Meade or Bantam Lyons her task would have been much harder.
— from Dubliners by James Joyce - Bantam Lyons doubted an instant, leering: then thrust the outspread sheets back on Mr Bloom’s arms.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - BROTHER BUZZ: Then perform a miracle like Father Charles. BANTAM LYONS:
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - Another case of analogous variation is the occurrence of spangled sub-breeds of Hamburgh, Polish, Malay, and Bantam fowls.
— from The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I. by Charles Darwin - A dwarf fowl, probably the true Bantam, is referred to in an old Japanese Encyclopædia, as I am informed by Mr. Birch.
— from The Mayflower Compact - When I see people strut enough to be cut up into bantam cocks, I stand dormant with wonder, and says no more!
— from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
