Literary notes about portfolio (AI summary)
In literature, the term portfolio frequently functions as a tangible repository for creative works, official papers, or personal treasures, while also evoking broader metaphorical associations with one’s professional identity and inner life. Characters are often depicted carrying a portfolio that contains sketches, letters, or ledgers, symbolizing both their artistic endeavors and societal roles—as in instances where an artist refines a sketch kept within it ([1], [2]) or a gentleman safeguards important documents ([3], [4]). In other narratives, the portfolio represents a vital extension of the self, conveying duty, secrecy, or even vulnerability through its physical presence, whether as a container of treasured memories or critical evidence ([5], [6], [7]). This diverse use underscores the portfolio’s role as an emblem of creativity, responsibility, and personal history throughout literary works.
- I found that sketch in my portfolio the other day, touched it up, and kept it to show you."
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - 16mo, boards, 1 s. Sketches from an Artist’s Portfolio.
— from British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Wirt Sikes - A moment afterwards Julie saw him go upstairs carrying two or three heavy ledgers, a portfolio, and a bag of money.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “Then it was not till your return to the ship that you put the letter in the portfolio?” “No.”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Henry, author of "Trifles from my Portfolio," attended Sir William Campbell in his last illness.
— from Toronto of Old by Henry Scadding - In the letter he enclosed three of Vronsky’s notes to Anna, which were in the portfolio he had taken away.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - But Will at last turned away from his portfolio and approached the window again.
— from Middlemarch by George Eliot