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Literary notes about till (AI summary)

The word “till” is employed throughout literary works as a marker of temporality that signifies "up until" a particular moment, often emphasizing a turning point or a condition that must be met before change occurs. In writings ranging from sacred texts to poetic ballads, “till” sets the stage for unfolding actions or emotions—for instance, in a declaration of deferred judgment ([1]) or the anticipation of an awaited moment ([2]). Its use in both prose and verse lends a rhythmic, almost musical quality to the narrative, as writers evoke the continuity of time in everyday activities ([3]) or the dramatic pause before a significant entrance ([4]). Moreover, authors even harness its archaic charm in poetry to bolster the cadence of their verses ([5], [6]). This multifaceted employment underscores “till” as a small but potent tool for advancing narrative structure and emotional intensity, seamlessly bridging the mundane with the profound ([7]).
  1. I will shew it to be iniquity, iniquity, iniquity: but this was not done till he came to whom judgment belongeth, and I will give it him.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  2. Now I will not stir from the place till you unlock the door."
    — from Grimm's Fairy Stories by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm
  3. Up, and all day at the office, but a little at dinner, and there late till past 12.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  4. While we were interchanging thrusts and blows Came more and more, and fought on part and part, Till the Prince came, who parted either part.
    — from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
  5. For auld, &c. We twa hae paidl'd in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin' auld lang syne.
    — from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns
  6. Till youth take leave and leave you to the crutch.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  7. If you wish to make people stare by doing better than others, why, make them stare till they stare their eyes out.
    — from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell

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