Literary notes about trespass (AI summary)
The term “trespass” serves as a multifaceted metaphor in literature, often bridging the gap between legal terminology and personal morality. In classical works, it conveys weighty notions of betrayal and guilt—as in the solemn lines of Shakespeare, where a trespass “lives guilty in thy blood” [1] and is woven into the fabric of sin and redemption [2, 3]. In legal discourse, authors like Holmes probe its technical and practical dimensions, distinguishing between intentional wrongs and mere negligence in discussions of property rights and liability [4, 5, 6]. Moreover, in more contemporary or conversational contexts, the word softens requests or playful intrusions into personal domains [7, 8, 9]. In each setting, “trespass” enriches the narrative, functioning both as a marker of moral failing and as a device for exploring boundaries—whether they be legal, emotional, or social.
- His trespass yet lives guilty in thy blood; And till thou be restor'd thou art a yeoman.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us.
— from Mountain Moggy: The Stoning of the Witch by William Henry Giles Kingston - Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.
— from Prayers of the Early Church - Next, suppose the act complained of is an exercise of dominion over the plaintiff's property, such as a merely technical trespass or a conversion.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - A principle cannot be stated which would retain the strict liability in trespass while abandoning it in case.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - In place of a theory of tort, we have a theory of trespass.
— from The Common Law by Oliver Wendell Holmes - Hook me behind!”—“Dearest Lucia, may I trespass upon you for a pin?”
— from A Room with a View by E. M. Forster - We must trespass a little longer on your kindness.” “Removed!” cried Bingley.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - I won’t trespass on your valuable time...
— from Ulysses by James Joyce
