Literary notes about while (AI summary)
In literature, "while" is a versatile conjunction that not only denotes simultaneous actions or occurrences but also establishes contrasts between differing ideas and moods. It can seamlessly join parallel activities—such as when one character embarks on a ride concurrent with another's actions ([1]) or when a setting is enriched by concurrent, vivid observations ([2], [3]). Moreover, authors often use it to juxtapose contrasting states, as seen when one figure is portrayed working diligently while another indulges in leisure ([4]), or when different characters' fates and perceptions are set side by side ([5]). This multifaceted use lends both rhythm and depth to narrative structures by linking events that occur at the same time or by highlighting their differences ([6], [7]).
- They've driven on to the river—they'll be back for me, and then he wants to stop in for a visit with you while I take Mrs Holden for a further ride.
— from Plays by Susan Glaspell - While breakfast was in hand, and between the sips of warm tea, I asked my uncle if he had any idea of how we now stood in relation to the world above.
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - Adam had been observing her closely all the while, but she had not looked at him.
— from Adam Bede by George Eliot - Andres worked very hard to earn his living, while Juan spent most of his time on pleasure.
— from Filipino Popular Tales - The one could not be hated by his countrymen, even when they were ill treated by him; while the other, though admired by all, was loved by none.
— from Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4) by Plutarch - While at college, he lost one eye by a hard piece of bread thrown during a "biscuit battle," and the other eye became almost useless.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - He dashed up, the inspector and I at his heels, while his brother Mycroft followed as quickly as his great bulk would permit.
— from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
