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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.
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 'You are prepared to hear explicitly what he meant?' 'Yes, John.'
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  5. 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
  6. ‘Did it!’ cried John.
    — from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
  7. 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
  8. John don't suspect it—he has no idea of it—but I quite love him!'
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  9. The 23rd, John Codras, John Withal; mayor, Richard Renger. 1239.
    — from The Survey of London by John Stow
  10. John Maclean, W. 28 May, 1812 CAPTAINS.
    — from The Waterloo Roll Call by Charles Dalton
  11. The 8th, John Butler, John Wels; mayor, William Cambridge, grocer.
    — from The Survey of London by John Stow
  12. The 12th, Thomas Chalton, John Ling; mayor, John Brokle, draper. 1434.
    — from The Survey of London by John Stow
  13. The 6th, Henry Cote, Robert Revell, Hugh Pemberton; mayor, John Mathew, mercer. 1491.
    — from The Survey of London by John Stow
  14. The 12th, Sir John Sha, Sir Richard Haddon; mayor, Sir John Tate, the younger, mercer.
    — from The Survey of London by John Stow
  15. Welcome, good Sir John.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  16. In private? DON JOHN.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  17. [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
  18. Sir John, God save you!
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  19. What, John!
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  20. JOHN.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  21. [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
  22. 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

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