Literary notes about squib (AI summary)
The term “squib” demonstrates remarkable versatility in literature. It can denote a character’s name imbued with distinctive personality, as when Squib candidly expresses emotion or thought ([1], [2], [3]). In other contexts, the word takes on a figurative dimension, referring to a brief, witty remark or a satirical commentary, as observed in sharp political quips and humorous narrative asides ([4], [5], [6]). Moreover, “squib” is employed to evoke the image of a small explosive—either as a literal device in descriptions of firecrackers and detonations ([7], [8], [9]) or as a metaphor for actions that appear prematurely deflated, as in the depiction of a “damp squib” ([10]). Overall, its multifaceted usage enriches both character portrayal and narrative tone.
- “He was killed by lightning in the storm,” answered Squib, turning his face away as he spoke.
— from Squib and His Friends by Evelyn Everett-Green - Squib thought it was very good and humble of Seppi to be willing to set aside the sort of drawing he loved so much.
— from Squib and His Friends by Evelyn Everett-Green - Squib came forward with eyes shining with excitement.
— from Squib and His Friends by Evelyn Everett-Green - I once wrote a squib on them—the critics, or the reviewers, rather.”
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - Fine Old English Gentleman , political squib by Dickens, i. 278 , 279 .
— from The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete by John Forster - The Act was weak in too distinctly revealing the finger of the poetic political squib at a point here and there.
— from Vittoria — Complete by George Meredith - Our artillery put salvoes at once upon those trenches; and the raid of that night proved a damp squib.
— from With the British Army in The Holy Land by H. O. (Henry Osmond) Lock - He then treats of different methods of preparing the match, and how one squib may set fire to another in the air, by having it enclosed within it.
— from The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 3 (of 3) Everlasting Calerdar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac by William Hone - In another, he had a squib furnished with tinder, matches, stones to strike fire, and all other tackling necessary for it.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais - "No you don't," said the dragon in a spluttering voice, like a damp squib.
— from The Book of Dragons by E. (Edith) Nesbit
