Literary notes about given (AI summary)
The word "given" appears in a wide variety of literary contexts, serving both literal and figurative functions. In some texts it denotes the simple act of bestowing or transferring something tangible, as when a letter is handed over [1] or a sum of money is provided [2]. In other examples, "given" is used to imply an assignment of qualities or fate, whether in the awarding of divine grace [3] or in suggesting that an opportunity or characteristic has been inherently bestowed [4]. Authors employ it to signal a completed action—such as the issuance of commands [5] or the presentation of evidence [6]—while also using it in more abstract, intellectual discussions [7]. Across this diverse range of usage from practical transactions to philosophical arguments, "given" acts as a subtle marker of transfer, allocation, or predetermination, enriching the text by linking cause and effect as well as intention and consequence [8], [9], [10].
- Da Loglio had given me a letter for the Princess Daschkoff, and I took it to her country house, at the distance of three versts from St. Petersburg.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - “One thousand pound I have given to you, Mr Thwackum; a sum I am convinced which greatly exceeds your desires, as well as your wants.
— from History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: 3:9.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - But if not given to men in birth, it must have been given before birth—this is the only alternative which remains.
— from Phaedo by Plato - The signal for attack had already been given, and the artillery had opened, when I left him again for Morgan's front.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - Alas, all the evidence given by every one turned out to be against Mitya.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - For, in relation to a given conditioned, conditions are presupposed and considered to be given along with it.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - She would have given worlds to know what it was.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - After we had again returned to our quarters, Cortes ordered the fetters to be taken off the prisoners, and food to be given them.
— from The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) by Bernal Díaz del Castillo - p. 108, where the preceding Gothic marks, with the explanation of them, are given.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson