Literary notes about ephemera (AI summary)
In literature, the word "ephemera" is often deployed as a rich symbol of transience, bridging the gap between literal and figurative brevity. Some authors use it to denote the short-lived mayfly—a creature whose existence lasts only a day ([1], [2])—highlighting nature’s fleeting moments. Others extend its use to evoke the impermanence of human life and our transient pursuits, suggesting that both our fashions and achievements are as fleeting as the creature itself ([3], [4], [5]). In works where "ephemera" is invoked as more than an insect, it underscores the delicate balance between what is momentarily bright and what endures, inviting a meditation on mortality and the ephemeral nature of existence ([6], [7]).
- The May Fly (Ephemera) is celebrated as living only for a day, and has given its name to all things short-lived.
— from The Beauties of Nature, and the Wonders of the World We Live In by Lubbock, John, Sir - Ephemera , s. An insect that lives only one day.
— from The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern by W. H. (William Hamilton) Maxwell - "Poor little Ephemera!" said the oak; "what a terribly short life!"
— from Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by H. C. Andersen - Such indeed is the fate of all fashionable cant—ephemera which, left to themselves, die away with their season.
— from Amenities of LiteratureConsisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Isaac Disraeli - Ephemera , an emblem of human life, iii. 508.
— from The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1 [of 3] by Benjamin Franklin - It is The Parthenon , he thought, the August Parthenon , and it must contain “Ephemera.”
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - One thing he knew with absolute certitude: “Ephemera” was infinitely greater than anything he had done.
— from Martin Eden by Jack London
