Literary notes about obedient (AI summary)
In literature, "obedient" functions as a versatile term that conveys both respectful submission and an intrinsic quality of loyalty, seen across genres from epic poetry and religious texts to personal letters and narratives. It often appears in self-deprecating sign-offs such as "your obedient servant" ([1], [2], [3]), symbolizing a formal courtesy or deference expected in hierarchical relationships. At the same time, authors use the term to describe characters who display dutiful compliance within family dynamics or military orders ([4], [5]), as well as to animate objects or forces in nature that respond predictably and faithfully ([6], [7]). This range of usage adds nuance to the concept of obedience, highlighting themes of duty, submission, and even occasional critique of unquestioning allegiance ([8], [9]).
- I am, with respect, etc., your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General United States Army.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, John Podsnap .'
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - I have the honor to be your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, General.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - This great art hath ever been known to me for making my husbands obedient to me.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - That is because well-brought-up and good children, like you, scorn to be obedient to the will of their fathers.
— from The Imaginary Invalid by Molière - The obedient bell in the lower regions began ringing the announcement of the meal.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - Well... Mr Dedalus laid his pipe to rest beside the tuningfork and, sitting, touched the obedient keys.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - And thou shalt be as the obedient son of the most High, and he will have mercy on thee more than a mother. 4:12.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And Krishna became obedient unto all the five sons of Pritha, those lions among men, of immeasurable energy.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1
