Literary notes about clang (AI summary)
The word "clang" is employed to evoke a sharply resonant, metallic sound that enhances both the immediacy and atmosphere of a narrative. It often signals sudden action or reveals hidden truths, as when a falling walking-stick discloses its concealed steel with a distinct clang [1]. In more mythic or epic contexts, the term carries grand, martial overtones—not only representing the clashing of weapons and the resounding cry of battle [2], [3] but also symbolizing fate’s toll as heard in the reverberation of bells [4]. Furthermore, "clang" can animate the mundane, turning a common noise like the rattling of utensils into a moment steeped in dramatic significance [5].
- Syme’s walking-stick had fallen from his hand with a great clang, which confessed the concealed steel.
— from The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G. K. Chesterton - YMIR, a confused noise, like the rustling of trees when shaken by the wind; also the clang of metals.
— from The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson by Sæmundur fróði - 186 hear the clang Of Scythian trumpets; hear the basilisks, 187 That, roaring, shake Damascus' turrets down!
— from Tamburlaine the Great — Part 1 by Christopher Marlowe - In a little while the fire-bell rang— Clang!
— from Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters - Its hoarse clang sounded like the rattling of saucepans.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
