Literary notes about dragoon (AI summary)
The term “dragoon” is used in literature as both a designation for a specific type of soldier and as a device to convey vivid character traits ranging from heroic robustness to ironic contrariety. In historical and military narratives, such as those by Thomas Jefferson [1] and Thomas Carlyle [2], [3], [4], the dragoon emerges as a symbol of martial valor and disciplined strength. In contrast, adventure and fiction writers like Alexandre Dumas [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], and even in later works [11] often use the dragoon as a memorable, lively presence—sometimes humorous and at other times marked by a rugged, earthy frankness. Similarly, characters in novels like M. E. Braddon’s Lady Audley’s Secret [12], [13], [14] and the depictions in Thackeray’s Vanity Fair [15], [16] reveal a more satirical or ironic side, where the dragoon’s rough exterior contrasts with moments of unexpected sensitivity or wit. This multifaceted use of “dragoon” shows how the word has evolved from a simple military term into a literary emblem rich with nuance and cultural commentary.
- Voltigeur’s, dragoon’s, and double-barreled musket.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Drouet Post-master of this Village, hot Patriot, Old Dragoon of Conde, consider, therefore, what thou wilt do.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - Preeminent, on the Right Side, pleads and perorates Cazales, the Dragoon-captain, eloquent, mildly fervent; earning for himself the shadow of a name.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - Perilous is Drouet's errand also; but he is an Old-Dragoon, with his wits shaken thoroughly awake.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - “MARIE MICHON” “And what dream does she mean?” asked the dragoon, who had approached during the reading.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “There!” said the dragoon.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The dragoon and the Swiss followed him, and all their comrades followed the dragoon and the Swiss.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Porthos and Aramis remained behind to encounter the jokes of the dragoon and the Swiss.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “And what bastion is it?” asked a dragoon, with his saber run through a goose which he was taking to be cooked.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “Perfectly,” said the dragoon.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - They continued their inquiries and at last met with a light dragoon who had formed one of the guard which had escorted D’Artagnan to Rueil.
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Who could have ever expected that a dragoon would drink sixpenny ale, smoke horrid bird's-eye tobacco, and let his wife wear a shabby bonnet?"
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - But then, what could an ignorant, heavy dragoon like me do with such a child?
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - But the big ex-dragoon had survived his affliction by a twelvemonth, and hard as it may be to have to tell it, he did not look much the worse for it.
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - "O Gad—really—Miss Rebecca," the heavy dragoon interposed.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - "Which very possibly may be fatal, I have come hither—" "Why not say come here, Becky? Come here's grammar," the dragoon interposed.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
