Literary notes about decree (AI summary)
In literature, the term decree is deployed with a dual function: as a marker of formal, institutional authority and as a potent symbol of fate’s immutable will. On one level, it appears as an official command issued by rulers or governing bodies, such as when legislative and senate decrees shape political and social orders ([1], [2], [3], [4]). On another, it takes on a broader, almost metaphysical character, representing the inescapable designs of destiny—whether the fated lot of death, as in classical epics, or the divine edicts that guide human lives ([5], [6], [7], [8]). This versatile usage not only anchors the narrative in a framework of order and inevitability but also enriches the dramatic tension inherent in both historical and mythic storytelling.
- Chappe had to escape, and get a new Legislative Decree.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - It is as follows: I Julius Cæsar, imperator the second time, and high priest, have made this decree, with the approbation of the senate.
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - In 161 b.c. the senate passed a decree excluding all philosophers and teachers of rhetoric from the city.
— from De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero - fatum = fate , i.e. of death , as the common lot of all men, the decree of nature.
— from Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Edmund Luce - Let this suffice: the immutable decree No force can shake: what is, that ought to be.
— from The Iliad by Homer - 'Tis Fate's decree I love the fairest--how were't otherwise?
— from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand - Perish those arms which by the gods' decree Accursed our army with the loss of thee!
— from The Odyssey by Homer