Literary notes about unison (AI summary)
The term "unison" is employed in literature to signify a merging of separate elements—be it sounds, movements, or even sentiments—into a cohesive, harmonious whole. It appears frequently in musical contexts where various instruments or voices align perfectly, as when a wind instrument progresses in unison with a stringed instrument [1] or when multiple harps are required to sound together so they can be heard over a full orchestra [2]. Beyond music, authors use "unison" to evoke the simultaneous action of characters or the coordination of moods and ideas; for example, a character’s spirit may be described as acting in unison with his flesh [3], or a chorus of voices may echo in perfect agreement [4]. In the realm of interpersonal and ideological connection, the word even captures the moment when individuals share a common sentiment or aspiration, reinforcing their bond through unified expression [5].
- All combinations of strings and wood-wind are good; a wind instrument progressing in unison with a stringed instrument
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - At least three, if not four harps in unison are necessary, if they are to be heard against a full orchestra playing forte .
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - returned Tom, chafing his face on his coat-sleeve, as if to mortify his flesh, and have it in unison with his spirit.
— from Hard Times by Charles Dickens - Then shall the huge bell tremble—then the mass With myriad waves concurrent shall respond In low soft unison.
— from Middlemarch by George Eliot - She was in unison with Father Gillenormand; while he erected joy into aphorisms and maxims, she exhaled goodness like a perfume.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
