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Literary notes about whose (AI summary)

The word “whose” is employed in literature as a relative pronoun that establishes a possessive connection between a subject and its attribute or possession, enriching the narrative with detailed associations. Authors use “whose” to lend a lyrical or formal quality to their descriptions, as seen in Example [1] where Athos exclaims, “whose empty glass is this?” to emphasize mystery and accountability. In many works, such as Shakespeare’s lines in Example [2] and Forster’s personification in Example [3], “whose” serves to intricately link characters or objects to their traits, actions, or origins, thereby deepening our understanding of relationships and context. Additionally, “whose” sometimes appears in more abstract or extended constructions, highlighting not only physical possession but also moral qualities or historical lineage—as seen in Examples [4] and [5]—demonstrating its versatility in both classical and modern literature.
  1. “Madame!” said Athos, “madame, in the name of heaven, whose empty glass is this?”
    — from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  2. Camillo has betray'd me; Whose honour and whose honesty till now Endur'd all weathers.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  3. Leaning her elbows on the parapet, she contemplated the River Arno, whose roar was suggesting some unexpected melody to her ears.
    — from A Room with a View by E. M. Forster
  4. THE BOOK OF TOBIAS This Book takes its name from the holy man Tobias, whose wonderful virtues are herein recorded.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  5. Whose names are these: Of Ruben, Elisur the son of Sedeur.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete

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