Literary notes about clatter (AI summary)
The word "clatter" is employed by many authors to evoke a sudden, often jarring sound that enhances the atmosphere of a scene. At times, it is used to illustrate dramatic action or looming threat—for instance, the door’s noisy descent in a grim fairy tale [1] or the resounding impact of a shop bell punctuating an enterprising moment [2, 3]. In other instances, it paints a vivid picture of everyday life, whether it’s the din of crockery in a bustling villa [4, 5] or the ambient noise of crowded streets and movement, as in urban landscapes and military camps [6, 7]. Such varied uses underline how "clatter" effectively bridges the gap between explosive events and the energetic hum of quotidian surroundings.
- ‘Here goes, however,’ said she: and down went the door with such a clatter upon the thieves, that they cried out ‘Murder!’
— from Grimms' Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm - At the end of that time he got up, and went out—went right out in the clatter of the shop-door bell.
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - Twice at the clatter of the cracked bell he arose without a word, disappeared into the shop, and came back silently.
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - All day long sound of talk, laughter, and the clatter of crockery came from his villa. . . .
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Soon the villa opposite was lighted up, and the clatter of plates, knives, and forks was audible.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Their shields clatter, and earth is amazed under the trampling of their feet.
— from The Aeneid of Virgil by Virgil - Outside, the clatter of the ramrods in the guns could be heard; the troops were re-loading their arms.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
