Literary notes about viola (AI summary)
The term "viola" has been employed in literature with a rich diversity of meanings. In many instances it serves a musical purpose, often referring to the instrument itself as seen in discussions of ensembles and arrangements [1, 4, 6, 9–11]. Conversely, "viola" also appears as the botanical term for the heartsease or pansy, as noted in older translations and fables [1, 2]. Beyond these literal associations, authors have adopted the word as a personal name, imbuing characters with a quaint charm or hinting at artistic sensibilities—whether it be a timid character yielding to whim [3], a lady encountered by a troubadour [4], or even a doctor who becomes personally invested in a story's unfolding events [5]. In this way, "viola" functions as a multifaceted symbol that layers musical, natural, and nominative qualities within literary texts [6].
- Pansy or Heartsease (Viola tricolor, etc.).
— from The King James Version of the Bible - So again with the heartsease ( Viola tricolor ); hot weather suits the blotched sorts, whilst it destroys the beautiful markings of some other kinds.
— from Aesop's Fables by Aesop - "Gladly would I give it if I could; but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola, and I yielded to it.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - 127 "Has your Highness seen the Lady Viola to-night?" asked a gallant troubadour of the fairy queen who floated down the hall upon his arm.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - Doctor Viola was much interested and offered to use the money he had put aside for the trip to help pay the publisher.
— from Lineage, Life and Labors of José Rizal, Philippine Patriot by Austin Craig - Viola and Angelo are two of our favorite names; isn't that queer?" said Meg, wiping her eyes, for the "lovering part" was tragical.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott