Literary notes about speak (AI summary)
The word “speak” in literature is employed in a variety of ways—from a simple act of vocal expression to a complex vehicle for conveying inner thoughts, social commands, or even philosophical ideas. In some texts it functions as a conversational tool that initiates dialogue or emphasizes an urgent request to communicate ([1], [2], [3]); in others, it illustrates a character’s struggle or growth, as when the act of speaking symbolizes the expression of suppressed ideas or emotions ([4], [5], [6]). Additionally, “speak” is also used in more metaphorical senses, where it conveys ideas about truth, authority, or the nature of language itself, especially when language is portrayed as reflective of deeper societal or moral values ([7], [8]). Overall, across a diverse range of literary genres and historical periods—from Shakespearean drama to modern realism—the word “speak” functions not only as a literal action but also as a symbolic expression of agency, connection, and commentary on the act of communication itself ([9], [10], [11]).
- “Before making up my mind I should like to speak to him,” said Sir B—— M——. “You can do so to-morrow.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - But speak; I will listen.”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - "Speak to me civilly," says she, getting red in the face.
— from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - You must learn to speak by speaking.
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - The work of investigation is, so to speak, a free art in its own way, he-he-he!”
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - All that matters is that the old man should speak out, should speak openly of what he has thought in silence for ninety years.”
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - When we speak of the tendency or direction of public opinion we usually mean the trend over a definite period of time.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park - These last results ought to make us careful, when we speak of nervous 'paths,' to use the word in no restricted sense.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - He remained silent, and she remained with her face averted, sometimes making a slight movement as if she would turn and speak.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - You will find some persons in it, because we must be served; but nobody will speak to you, and you need not speak to anyone.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - 'He is a man, he ought to speak the first word,' thought the gingerbread maiden; but she felt quite happy—she was sure that her love was returned.
— from Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by H. C. Andersen
