Literary notes about bob (AI summary)
The term “bob” appears in literature both as a common personal name and as a descriptive verb, lending the texts a sense of familiarity and colloquial character. Authors like Dickens and George Eliot frequently employ the name to introduce lively, down-to-earth characters—consider Bob Sawyer’s spirited interjections in [1], or the casual banter with characters simply called Bob as seen in [2] and [3]. In some instances, “bob” functions beyond a name, denoting a quick movement or brief appearance, as in the subtle nod to bobbing motions in [4] and [5]. The word even extends metaphorically to monetary measures or cultural tokens in works such as the mention of a “ten bob” in [6]. Together, these varied uses underscore the multifaceted nature of the term in literary contexts, where it seamlessly bridges character identity with dynamic action or cultural commentary.
- ‘You!’ exclaimed Mr. Pickwick. ‘Yes,’ replied Bob Sawyer, ‘and a regular expedition we’ll make of it.
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - "I'm afraid I have very little power over him, Bob," said Maggie, a good deal moved by Bob's suggestion.
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot - Yes, yes, mother will dance with Bob too.
— from A Doll's House : a play by Henrik Ibsen - It will bob up farther along in your career at the most unexpected moments, in the most embarrassing situations.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - “Of course not,” echoed Mariequita, with a serious, confirmatory bob of the head.
— from The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin - Only so could the Morning Post make its ten bob, or whatever it is, for printing the announcement of the forthcoming nuptials.
— from Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
