Literary notes about bray (AI summary)
The word "bray" in literature is a multifaceted term that connotes not only the literal harsh cry of a donkey but also represents absurdity or foolishness in human behavior. In some works it is employed onomatopoetically to evoke the unmistakable sound of a donkey—for instance, when a character transforms and begins to bray, thereby heightening the raw energy of the moment ([1], [2], [3]). Simultaneously, it is used metaphorically to describe noisy, irrational clamor or to cast a critical light on a character’s behavior, as when the sound becomes emblematic of unreasoning or tumultuous displays ([4], [5]). Additionally, the recurrence of "Bray" as a surname in narratives introduces a playful intermingling of name and action, deepening the text's layers of irony and social commentary ([6], [7]). Through these diverse applications, authors harness the word "bray" to enrich both the auditory imagery and the thematic complexity of their works ([8], [9]).
- In a little while he changes into a real Donkey and begins to bray.
— from The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi - When you hear a donkey bray, you not only hear a noise, but realize that it comes from a donkey.
— from The Analysis of Mind by Bertrand Russell - I recollect I awoke from this state for the first time at Basle, one evening; the bray of a donkey aroused me, a donkey in the town market.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - For lack of victuals, before God, I roar, bray, yell, and fume as in a furious madness.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais - And even has ventured such lengths as to say, That, when mortals speak nonsense, they utter a bray!
— from The Fables of La Fontaine by Jean de La Fontaine - ‘Hush! hush!’ cried Mr. Bray, suddenly starting up, and covering Ralph’s mouth with his trembling hand.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - This was one, for Nicholas had but glanced round him when he was recognised by Mr. Bray, who said impatiently: ‘Now, sir, what do you want?
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - Besides which, you have been told that it is folly to take offence at merely hearing a bray.
— from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra - And, as he drains his draughts of Rhenish down, The kettle-drum and trumpet thus bray out
— from Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare
