Literary notes about cot (AI summary)
The term "cot" in literature is versatile, functioning both as a literal sleeping platform and as a vivid symbol of refuge, intimacy, or transience. In many epic retellings, such as the translated verses of the Rámáyan, the cot becomes a stage for moments of rest and sorrow, reflecting the hero’s inner state and the fragility of existence ([1], [2], [3]). In contrast, in works by Dickens and Kipling the cot symbolizes the humble origins or modest settings of a life in progress ([4], [5]), while its usage in colloquial and even punning contexts—as when a character exclaims “Cot help me!”—underscores its role in everyday speech and rustic humor ([6], [7]). This breadth of usage, echoing from lyrical portrayals to gritty realism, demonstrates how a simple object can be imbued with layers of meaning in literature.
- “Go, Ráma go,” the sage replied: Then from the cot the chieftain hied.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - And then to Ráma proudly showed The cot prepared for his abode.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - As Ráma sought his leafy cot Through his left eye keen throbbings shot, His wonted strength his frame forsook, And all his body reeled and shook.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - That was the cot of my infancy; an old egg-box.
— from Hard Times by Charles Dickens - She beckoned Kim to her hut, and stooped above a battered English cash-box under her cot.
— from Kim by Rudyard Kipling - “As Cot is my judge,” cried Morgan, “and my salfation, and my witness; whosoever has pilfered my provisions is a lousy, peggarly, rascally knave!
— from The Adventures of Roderick Random by T. Smollett - “As for a sheltenman in distress,” said he, shaking me by the hand, “I lofe him as I lofe my own powels: for, Cot help me!
— from The Adventures of Roderick Random by T. Smollett