Literary notes about cost (AI summary)
The word “cost” in literature is employed in a wide range of contexts, from its straightforward monetary meaning to more abstract, metaphoric implications of sacrifice or consequence. In some instances, authors use cost in its literal sense—for example, when referring to the price of an object or service, as seen with a bottle’s price in [1] or the detailed monetary cost in [2] and [3]. In other cases, "cost" takes on a metaphorical dimension, representing the toll of time, labor, or emotional suffering, such as the infinite pangs incurred for works of fancy in [4] or a life-and-death decision in [5] and [6]. Additionally, cost is sometimes entwined with broader societal or philosophical concerns, as with discussions of labor and economic values [7, 8]. This multifaceted use of "cost" not only underscores financial implications but also enriches narrative stakes by linking tangible and intangible forms of expenditure.
- “How much does the bottle cost?” said Juan.
— from Filipino Popular Tales - 1. ix.c.39.}, dyed in a particular manner, cost a hundred denarii, or £3:6s:8d.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - Her table-napkins alone they say cost thirty-six dollars a dozen, unmonogrammed.
— from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story - For this Reason we often find them endeavouring at Works of Fancy, which cost them infinite Pangs in the Production.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Caesar's delay to read a message cost him his life when he reached the senate house.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - It might cost him, he said, his life.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - “Obviously it is the labor cost of the paper, printing, and binding of it—about a fifth of its present cost.”
— from The Jungle by Upton Sinclair - It is the maxim of every prudent master of a family, never to attempt to make at home what it will cost him more to make than to buy.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
