Literary notes about below (AI summary)
In literature, the word "below" exhibits a wide range of uses, from denoting literal spatial position to conveying nuanced metaphorical and hierarchical meanings. In many texts, it functions as a simple spatial indicator—describing elements that are physically lower or situated underneath another, as seen in descriptions of landscapes ([1], [2]) or even in technical instructions ([3], [4]). At the same time, "below" is employed to create subtle shifts in tone or to evoke emotional states; for instance, it is used to suggest a sense of inferiority or a secretive, subdued murmuring, as when a character speaks "below her breath" ([5]). The term also appears in scholarly and navigational texts, serving as a directional tool to refer the reader to additional details presented later in the work ([6], [7], [8]). Additionally, "below" can mark social hierarchies or positions of status, as referenced when a character is described as ranking below another ([9]). This multifaceted deployment across different literary genres highlights the versatility and rich connotations of the term in literature.
- In another moment I had scrambled up the earthen rampart and stood upon its crest, and the interior of the redoubt was below me.
— from The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells - The beech trees below the house were burning while I did this, and the palings up the road glowed red.
— from The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells - 7. Draw a cylindrical object and a rectangular object, grouped together a little below the eye, and show light and shade.
— from Boy Scouts Handbook by Boy Scouts of America - Several ways of playing the game are given below.
— from Boy Scouts Handbook by Boy Scouts of America - How is Mrs. Thornton?' asked Margaret hurriedly and below her breath, though she tried to speak out.
— from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - See paragraph 1.E below.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
— from Psychological Warfare by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger - p. 69 sq.; see below, p.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - The other or Remon branch of the Ijebu tribe is governed by a chief, who ranks below the Awujale.
— from The Golden Bough: A Study of Magic and Religion by James George Frazer
