Literary notes about varlet (AI summary)
In literature, “varlet” is widely used as a term of disparagement directed at characters seen as untrustworthy, low-born, or morally corrupt. Writers often deploy it to accentuate the contrast between noble virtue and ignoble behavior, as when a speaker condemns another as “my varlet” to underscore both his subservience and deceit ([1], [2]). The word frequently appears in sharp retorts and insulting epithets—its tone ranging from bitter denunciation to facetious humor—in works that span from medieval narratives to early modern drama ([3], [4], [5]). Its persistent use illustrates how authors harness the term to both establish social hierarchies and inject vivid, character-defining language into their dialogue and narration ([6], [7], [8]).
- Sirrah, my varlet, stand you forth and speak to him, Like a philosopher: answer in the language.
— from The Alchemist by Ben Jonson - Varlet, thou liest; thou liest, wicket varlet; the time is yet to come that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm, and then he asked his lord whether there were any life in him.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Dow. 'Tis true, you may take bail, and choose at another time: but you shall not now, varlet: bring him along, or I'll swinge you.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - So, come on, sir varlet, I must cut off your legs, sirrah; [Brainworm kneels.]
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - "Now, as I live, thou art the impudentest varlet!" cried Mr. Fielding, stamping his foot on the floor, with an angry frown.
— from Devereux — Volume 02 by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron - And Fournier l'Americain is busy, and the two Banker Freys, and Varlet Apostle of Liberty; the bull-voice of Marquis Saint-Huruge is heard.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me!
— from The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare
