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Literary notes about mentor (AI summary)

In literature, the term "mentor" operates on multiple levels, serving both as a character embodying wisdom and guidance and as a broader metaphor for trusted counsel. In classical works like Homer's Odyssey, Mentor appears as a divine figure—a role assumed by Minerva—to guide Telemachus and others ([1], [2], [3], [4], [5]). Meanwhile, later authors use the term to characterize advisors who shape young protagonists, whether in serious roles as in Chesterton’s narrative ([6]) or in the more affectionate, sometimes satirical tone found in writings by Dumas and Alcott ([7], [8], [9]). Additionally, the word extends beyond personification to denote institutional or symbolic authority, as seen in contexts where organizations or printed works embrace the name ([10], [11]). This layered use of "mentor" highlights its enduring function as both a literal and figurative source of guidance in literary tradition.
  1. The virgin-seed of Jove, In Mentor's form, confirm'd the full accord, And willing nations knew their lawful lord.
    — from The Odyssey by Homer
  2. " As he thus prayed, Minerva came close up to him in the likeness and with the voice of Mentor.
    — from The Odyssey by Homer
  3. Then Minerva assumed the form and voice of Mentor, and presently made a covenant of peace between the two contending parties.
    — from The Odyssey by Homer
  4. Then she took the form and voice of Mentor, and called Telemachus to come outside.
    — from The Odyssey by Homer
  5. Then Jove's daughter Minerva came up to them, having assumed the voice and form of Mentor.
    — from The Odyssey by Homer
  6. “And you think,” said Syme, “that this unique monster will be soothed if I play the piano to him?” “Don’t be an ass,” said his mentor.
    — from The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G. K. Chesterton
  7. “Certainly; I see you are a model Mentor,” said Albert “Good-bye, we shall return on Sunday.
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  8. I wish I could run off too," said Jo, forgetting her part of Mentor in lively visions of martial life at the capital.
    — from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott
  9. My Dear Mentor, Please make my adieux to your aunt, and exult within yourself, for 'Lazy Laurence' has gone to his grandpa, like the best of boys.
    — from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  10. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
    — from The Mentor: The WeatherSerial Number 110; 1 July, 1916 by Charles Fitzhugh Talman
  11. Send for our booklet descriptive of The Mentor Club Service.
    — from The Mentor: The Mediterranean, Vol. 1, Num. 39, Serial No. 39, November 10, 1913 by Dwight L. (Dwight Lathrop) Elmendorf

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