Literary notes about brawn (AI summary)
The term “brawn” has been employed in literature with a dual character, symbolizing both a prepared meat product and the very essence of physical strength. In many texts, such as in [1], [2], and [3], “brawn” is depicted as a culinary item—ranging from festive fare like “Canterbury brawn” to specific dishes prepared from capon or pork—often highlighting methods of preparation and presentation. At the same time, authors like Joyce in [4] and [5] and Whitman in [6] use the word metaphorically to evoke muscular strength and a robust, vigorous persona. This layered usage, from the tangible plates of “brawn” in gastronomic contexts to its figurative application in characterizing physicality and endurance, illustrates the rich semantic range and cultural significance the word has accumulated across various literary epochs.
- The distance had prevented personal intercourse, and we only knew of them by interchanges of hams, Canterbury brawn, and oysters at Christmas time.
— from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous - Or you may make other souse-drink of whey and salt beaten together, it will make your brawn look more white and better.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - 29 png058 Other stuffings of the brawn of a Capon, Chickens, Pigeons, or any tender Sea Foul.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - I wouldn’t hurt your feelings for the world but there’s a man of brawn in possession there.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - You both belong to Ireland, the brain and the brawn.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - While from the west itself comes solid personality, with blood and brawn, and the deep quality of all-accepting fusion.
— from Complete Prose Works by Walt Whitman