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]).
- 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 - Now I will not stir from the place till you unlock the door."
— from Grimm's Fairy Stories by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm - 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 - 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 - 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 - Till youth take leave and leave you to the crutch.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - 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