Literary notes about port (AI summary)
The word "port" in literature carries a host of evocative meanings that enrich narratives by blending practicality with symbolism. It often signifies a harbor or coastal haven—a setting for both adventure and refuge—as seen when a vessel is moved to Port Balloon ([1]) or when a ship enters a safe haven to winter ([2]). In historical and geographical contexts, it marks significant transit or trade centers, such as the bustling transhipping hub for coffee ([3]) or the distinguished port of Myra ([4]). Beyond its nautical application, "port" also alludes to the world of wine and refined social rituals, evoking imagery of claret, brandy, and notably port wine, which connotes maturity and celebration ([5], [6], [7], [8]). This multiplicity of senses allows authors to seamlessly navigate between the concrete and the metaphorical, enriching both the setting and the mood in their works.
- It was evident that the vessel had been moved, more or less, since Pencroft had brought her to Port Balloon.
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - As it was winter, the ships entered a safe port to winter.
— from The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 33, 1519-1522 by Antonio Pigafetta - Aden is a great transhipping port for coffee from Asia and Africa, and more than half its exports are re-exports from points outside of Arabia.
— from All About Coffee by William H. Ukers - This was the port of Myra, next mentioned.
— from The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny - I mentioned his scale of liquors;—claret for boys,—port for men,—brandy for heroes.
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell - The captain seemed inclined to go upon deck again, but controlling himself he answered: “Port wine.”
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Mr. —— requests the honour of taking wine with her; she hesitates between Port and Madeira, and chooses the former—because he does.
— from The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb - We had a good supper, and port wine, of which he then sometimes drank a bottle.
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell
