Literary notes about garner (AI summary)
In literature, the word "garner" exhibits a fascinating duality, functioning both as a verb that means to accumulate or store—often invoking agrarian imagery—and as a proper noun, a surname that gives depth to character identity. As a verb, authors employ it to describe the careful gathering of not only physical goods like grain, as in the depiction of scattered and stored sheaves ([1], [2]), but also intangible treasures such as wisdom or life experiences ([3], [4]). Meanwhile, when used as a surname, "Garner" serves to individualize characters who often play pivotal roles in their narratives ([5], [6], [7], [8]). This layered usage enriches literary works by linking the concrete act of harvesting with metaphorical notions of amassing personal and intellectual wealth.
- [2]—old men slain; Trampled the fields of waving cane; Or scatter'd wide the garner'd grain; An hour wrought wreck of years!
— from A Wreath of Virginia Bay LeavesPoems of James Barron Hope by J. B. H. (James Barron Hope) - It was also said to the same persons, 'Gather my wheat into the garner.'
— from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read by John Bunyan - Then wilt thou call to mind the stores of learning which I have laid up in thy garner, and wilt add to them by perseverance and industry.
— from Jacob Faithful by Frederick Marryat - I cried, ‘my life is full of pain, And who can garner fruit or golden grain From these waste fields which travail ceaselessly!’
— from Poems, with The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde - “Perhaps she—oh, do you think, Major, that—” Carson heard no more; his father had come forward and was talking to Garner.
— from Mam' Linda by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben - Garner leaned his broom-handle against the mantel-piece, and stood critically eying his partner's worn face and dejected mien.
— from Mam' Linda by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben - “I know it, Garner, and her blood would be on my head.”
— from Mam' Linda by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben - He was expected, and a minute afterwards he was shaking hands with Garner, who had been waiting for him.
— from Dastral of the Flying Corps by Rowland Walker