Literary notes about patter (AI summary)
In literature, the word "patter" evokes a rhythmic, light sound that often carries multiple layers of meaning. It is frequently used to describe the steady tapping of rain against surfaces—thereby setting a tranquil, almost musical background [1, 2]—or the quick, soft steps of characters moving through various spaces, adding a vivid sense of motion and immediacy to scenes [3, 4]. At times, "patter" also characterizes rapid-fire speech or casual banter, highlighting the lively, sometimes mischievous cadence of dialogue [5, 6]. Its repeated use, as seen in passages that mimic the natural or human heartbeat, contributes to building atmosphere and rhythm within the narrative [7, 8].
- The sharp patter of the rain on leaves had ceased, and from just ahead there came back to us the stealthy padding of feet in wet soil.
— from The Man in Lower Ten by Mary Roberts Rinehart - The only sound is the patter of rain dropping like fine shot on the young rye and the parched road.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - The Seventeen Little Bears tiptoed very softly out of bed, and "pitter-patter, pitter-patter" went their little feet down the stairs.
— from Snubby Nose and Tippy Toes by Laura Rountree Smith - I could hear the rapid patter of their feet, and Montgomery's voice soothing them.
— from The island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells - Monkwords, marybeads jabber on their girdles: roguewords, tough nuggets patter in their pockets.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - “But you don't believe all this Socialist patter you talk.”
— from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald - The pelting of the rain softened to a leafy patter, the patter to a drip, and a watery moon came glimmering through the clouds.
— from Heralds of EmpireBeing the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur Trade by Agnes C. Laut - "Don't interfere with our friendly patter," cried out his thief neighbor, who for this exclamation was thrown into the dungeon.
— from The History of a Crime by Victor Hugo