Literary notes about confluence (AI summary)
The term "confluence" is used in literature to evoke both a precise geographical merging and a broader symbolic meeting of forces. In many writings, it describes the literal place where rivers or streams unite, as seen when ancient authors pinpoint cities like those built at the meeting of the Alleghany and Monongahela Rivers [1], later serving as major hubs of commerce and travel [2]. In spiritual and allegorical contexts, the word emphasizes the union of waters and virtues—as when sacred rivers meet, conferring spiritual merit on those who bathe there [3], [4]. Furthermore, it can describe the convergence of diverse ideas or emotions, illustrated by its use to signify the joining of contrasting sentiments that propel a narrative’s emotional landscape [5], [6].
- This last-mentioned post stood on the present site of Pittsburg—the point of land formed by the confluence of the Alleghany and the Monongahela.
— from The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada by Francis Parkman - Pittsburgh is situated at the head of navigation on the Ohio River, at the confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela Rivers, both navigable.
— from The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the World by William W. Sanger - In that quarter, O hero is the sacred confluence of Ganga and Yamuna which is celebrated over the world.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - Bathing next at the confluence of the Venna, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - It was with a confluence of emotions which he would have found it impossible to analyze that John Brancker left home for the Bank.
— from The Heart of a Mystery by T. W. (Thomas Wilkinson) Speight - This singular accident, by a strange confluence of emotions in him, was felt as the sharpest sting of all.
— from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
