Literary notes about sneak (AI summary)
The word "sneak" functions dynamically in literature, often evoking a sense of furtive movement or underhanded traits. At times it describes a covert action, as when a character departs unnoticed or infiltrates a forbidden space—illustrated by a hasty departure [1] or a planned intrusion into the kitchen [2]. In other instances, it becomes a label for characters whose very identity is marked by surreptitious behavior, whether as a mocking nickname [3] or as the embodiment of betrayal and weakness in both criminality and cowardice [4][5]. In this way, writers use "sneak" to enrich their narratives, imbuing both actions and characterizations with layers of moral ambiguity and elusive intent.
- It was the hand of Gideon Spilett, who said,— “One moment, Master Pencroft, you mustn’t sneak off like that!
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - ‘Are we to sneak into the kitchen, as if we came after the forks?’ ‘Hush!’ replied Newman.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - At the next table sat Dan Baxter and Mumps, the sneak.
— from The Putnam Hall Cadets; or, Good Times in School and Out by Edward Stratemeyer - You are a coward to sneak out now when an accident gave you advantage.'
— from Red Spider, Volume 2 (of 2) by S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould - In your employment is an under-handed sneak, named Rokesmith.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
