Literary notes about john (AI summary)
The word “John” appears across literature as a multifaceted signifier that conveys both universal familiarity and specific historical or symbolic meaning. In sacred texts, such as in the Bible where John the Baptist is identified ([1], [2], [3]), the name carries a religious gravitas, while in other works it represents the archetypal everyman—a common choice for characters ranging from the earnest servant in Dickens’ narratives ([4], [5], [6], [7], [8]) to figures in historical records and civic leadership detailed by John Stow ([9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]). Additionally, “John” is employed as a literary device by authors like Shakespeare ([15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20]) and others, who use the name to evoke both wit and human frailty. This varied usage, extending from religious and historical figures such as John Wesley ([21]) to playful or symbolic roles—as seen in references like “Strong John” in folklore ([22])—demonstrates the name’s versatility as a tool for characterizing lineage, cultural identity, and societal roles throughout literature.
- But they answered and said: John the Baptist; but some say Elias: and others say that one of the former prophets is risen again.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - By some that John was risen from the dead: but by other some, that Elias had appeared: and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And John was clothed camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and he ate locusts and wild honey.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - 'You are prepared to hear explicitly what he meant?' 'Yes, John.'
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - To all these exclamations John Browdie answered not a word, but he retained his hold upon Nicholas; and when he was silent again, spoke.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - ‘Did it!’ cried John.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - It was after a night when John had made an offer to a certain young lady, and the certain young lady had refused it.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - John don't suspect it—he has no idea of it—but I quite love him!'
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - The 23rd, John Codras, John Withal; mayor, Richard Renger. 1239.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - John Maclean, W. 28 May, 1812 CAPTAINS.
— from The Waterloo Roll Call by Charles Dalton - The 8th, John Butler, John Wels; mayor, William Cambridge, grocer.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - The 12th, Thomas Chalton, John Ling; mayor, John Brokle, draper. 1434.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - The 6th, Henry Cote, Robert Revell, Hugh Pemberton; mayor, John Mathew, mercer. 1491.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - The 12th, Sir John Sha, Sir Richard Haddon; mayor, Sir John Tate, the younger, mercer.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - Welcome, good Sir John.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - In private? DON JOHN.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - [Aside] Nay, John, it will be stinking law; for his breath stinks with eating toasted cheese.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Sir John, God save you!
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - What, John!
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - JOHN.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - [297] [203] John Wesley (1703-1791), English founder of the religious sect known as Methodists.
— from Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson - The attempts to kill the hero in a well by throwing huge rocks on him are found in some of the American variants of the “Strong John” cycle.
— from Filipino Popular Tales