Literary notes about serpent (AI summary)
The term “serpent” serves as a versatile symbol in literature, often embodying both allure and deceit across various contexts. In mythic and religious narratives, it can represent danger, temptation, or the embodiment of evil—as seen in its association with biblical plagues and the portrayal of Satanic figures [1], [2], [3], [4]. At the same time, the word is employed metaphorically to evoke subtleness and seductiveness, as when characters compare intimate movements to a serpent’s sinuous grace [5], or use it to imply treachery lurking beneath a benign exterior [6]. The motif further appears in heraldic and emblematic contexts, lending a visual power to banners and symbols [7], [8], while its physical form is mirrored in descriptions of natural phenomena, such as winding rivers or the twisting of fate [9]. This layered use of “serpent” underscores its enduring role as a multifaceted literary device.
- And the serpent cast out of his mouth, after the woman, water, as it were a river: that he might cause her to be carried away by the river.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The serpent, then, is the devil; that is, the dragon, the serpent, the devil and Satan are all one.
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - And she answered: The serpent deceived me, and I did eat. 3:14.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Exodus Chapter 7 Moses and Aaron go into Pharao: they turn the rod into a serpent; and the waters of Egypt into blood, which was the first plague.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - She twined herself round me almost serpent-like. Our mouths and tongues were equally engaged, and the final crisis was beyond description exquisite.
— from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous - Hence, power, Some races failing, [305] other some amass, According to her absolute decree Which hidden lurks, like serpent in the grass.
— from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - He had a white banner on which was a serpent figured.
— from Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturluson - The male is indicated by a serpent, a spear head, a hare, a tiara, a cock, and a tortoise.
— from Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism by Thomas Inman and M.R.C.S.E. John Newton - The Seine wound like an endless serpent through the plain, flowed round the villages and along the slopes.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant