Literary notes about devotee (AI summary)
The word "devotee" is employed to depict an individual marked by an intense, often unyielding commitment, whether to a spiritual cause, an art, or even a personal pursuit. In many literary works, it conveys a sense of unwavering faith or passion: a character may be portrayed as spiritually immersed or dedicated to his or her beliefs, as seen when a character’s piety is contrasted with worldly disdain ([1], [2]). At times, the term is used with a tone of irony or to highlight a transformation—for instance, a character who begins as a fervent admirer but evolves to adopt a rational stance ([3]). In some contexts, "devotee" also transcends the religious sphere to denote anyone passionately engaged with an art or idea, whether it be love, science, or even fashion ([4], [5]). By weaving the term into different narrative textures—from lofty spiritual aspirations to the ironic misapplications ([6])—authors underscore the multifaceted nature of dedication, simultaneously celebrating deep commitment while questioning its sometimes blind execution ([7], [8]).
- But the Devotee was not at all impressed.
— from The Hungry Stones, and Other Stories by Rabindranath Tagore - It comes with a natural inevitability to the sincere devotee.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - I felt all, loved all, wondered all— Was nourished, I could not tell how— I had left the temple a devotee, and was returned a rationalist.
— from The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb - On the table, sheets of paper and freshly cut pens attested the presence and care of a devotee of genius.
— from Juliette Drouet's Love-Letters to Victor Hugo by Juliette Drouet and Louis Guimbaud - Evidently he was a devotee of boots, for he had purchased four pairs, and was now trying on a fifth.
— from Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol - [289] i.e. a hypocritical sham devotee, covering a lewd life with an appearance of sanctity.
— from The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio by Giovanni Boccaccio - I was writing, when the servant came to tell me that a devotee, of the Vishnu cult, wanted to see me.
— from The Hungry Stones, and Other Stories by Rabindranath Tagore - "The devotee inclines to think his path to God is the only way," he said.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
