Literary notes about offered (AI summary)
The word "offered" in literature is remarkably versatile, used to denote everything from the polite presentation of a service or commodity to more symbolic or abstract proposals. In some works, it describes a courteous act or transaction, such as when a coachman “offered to carry” a traveler at a moderate price [1] or when a companion “offered a cigar” as a friendly gesture [2]. In other texts, it carries weightier implications—as in sacrificial or ritual contexts where items or even one’s self are “offered” in acts of devotion or negotiation [3, 4]. It can also underline voluntary service, as when a character “offered his services” [5] or introduced friends to valuable connections [6]. Across genres, whether in financial dealings [7], acts of rescue [8], or even abstract decisions as in philosophical musings [9, 10], "offered" functions as a subtle yet powerful indicator of intent, generosity, and sometimes compulsion.
- The coachman, having but two passengers, and hearing Mr Maclachlan was going to Bath, offered to carry him thither at a very moderate price.
— from History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - As soon as he saw me he approached and graciously offered me a cigar.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - And a fire coming out from the Lord, destroyed the two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The high priest also, of his own charges, offered a sacrifice, and that twice every day.
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - I offered my services in taking on the task, and after some hesitation my friend conceded.
— from The Trial by Franz Kafka - She was civil and chatty enough, and offered to introduce us to some acquaintance in Southampton, which we gratefully declined.
— from The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen - My father had offered twenty dollars for it, but Ralston wanted twenty-five.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - Seeing that the old man wanted to get on the other side, but was too weak to swim, Cochinango offered to carry him across.
— from Filipino Popular Tales - [pg 509] when it is offered, and die gladly, peacefully, and happily.
— from The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 1 of 3) by Arthur Schopenhauer - These observations are offered as the decisions of "one who judges calmly."
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud
