Literary notes about snatch (AI summary)
The term “snatch” in literature is used in a variety of dynamic and metaphorical ways to convey a sudden, forceful action or an abrupt change in state. It can describe a literal, physical act of seizing—as when a character literally grabs an object or another person ([1], [2])—or function metaphorically to suggest the abrupt removal of hope, life, or opportunity ([3], [4]). In dramatic narrative contexts, it creates vivid images of battle or rescue, as seen in heroic calls to “snatch” a comrade from doom ([5], [6]), while in more intimate or mundane moments it captures fleeting actions or gentle gestures, such as the playful stealing of a glove or even a kiss ([7], [8]). This breadth of use imbues the word with both the urgency of conflict and the tenderness of human moments.
- I said, endeavouring to snatch the glass from his hand.
— from Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - He raved like a maniac, and tried to snatch a revolver from the table—but I got it.
— from Roughing It by Mark Twain - Once thus ensnared, unless the protecting hand of God snatch him thence, all is over, and his struggles but tend to hasten his destruction.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - A burning wind shall take him up, and carry him away, and as a whirlwind shall snatch him from his place.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Let us then snatch him from death's jaws, lest the son of Saturn be angry should Achilles slay him.
— from The Iliad by Homer - " Swift at the word bold Merion snatch'd a spear And, breathing slaughter, follow'd to the war.
— from The Iliad by Homer - It was one of those perfumed gloves that lovers like to snatch from a pretty hand.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - It quickens our blood and brightens our eyes to snatch kisses that would vanish if we delayed.
— from The gardener by Rabindranath Tagore
