Literary notes about conscript (AI summary)
The term “conscript” appears in literature with a range of nuanced meanings. In classical texts such as Livy’s histories, for instance, it is imbued with a sense of communal obligation and martial valor, as when Roman citizens are addressed as “conscript fathers” (IDs: [1], [2], [3], [4]), suggesting both duty and a collective identity among those called to arms. Similarly, Suetonius and Plutarch (IDs: [5], [6]) use the term to evoke the structured enrollment of citizens into civic service, lending an almost ceremonial quality to the designation. In contrast, later authors like H. G. Wells and Victor Hugo (IDs: [7], [8]) employ “conscript” in a more factual, sometimes understated manner, referring directly to the state of being drafted. Even in modern works such as Joyce’s Ulysses (ID: [9]) and Jefferson’s Declaration (ID: [10]), the term retains its historicity while adapting to new rhetorical contexts, thereby underscoring its enduring versatility within literary discourse.
- Why do ye hesitate, Romans, and you, conscript fathers, to take up arms under the direction of the gods?
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - Grant to the Campanians, conscript fathers, your nod, and your irresistible favour, and bid us hope that Capua will be safe.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - Does the crowd that surrounds my person offend you," said he, "Aulus Cornelius, and you, conscript fathers?
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - "Can I be surprised," says he, "if your authority is of little weight, conscript fathers?
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - But listen, Conscript Fathers, while I tell you what reward was given to this rhetorician, and let the wounds of the republic be laid bare to view.
— from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius - Originally they were merely called the Fathers, but afterwards, as more were enrolled, they were called Conscript Fathers.
— from Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4) by Plutarch - But we kept away from these things; we had brought no money to bribe a passage north, and I feared for my lady at the hands of these conscript crowds.
— from The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories by H. G. Wells - He was a conscript.
— from The History of a Crime by Victor Hugo - —Are the conscript fathers pursuing their peaceful deliberations?
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - “What do ye expect and looke for, ye fathers conscript?
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
