Literary notes about advocate (AI summary)
Across a range of literary works, the word "advocate" operates on multiple levels. In legal contexts, it frequently designates a formal representative or counselor who argues a case in court, as seen when judges, clerks, or legal opponents are referenced in judicial proceedings [1, 2, 3]. At the same time, authors often deploy the term metaphorically to signify a zealous proponent or defender of a cause, whether political, philosophical, or social [4, 5, 6]. Moreover, its use can be lighter and even ironic when referring to personal relations or social roles, blending formal duty with everyday conversation [7, 8]. This versatility underscores how "advocate" can simultaneously evoke the rigor of legal practice and the passionate defense of broader ideas.
- We were very merry, and judge Advocate did give Captain Hayward his Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - The trial began; and, after the advocate against her had stated the charge, several witnesses were called.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - 'DEAR SIR,—That you are coming so soon to town I am very glad; and still more glad that you are coming as an advocate.
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell - If we mention it with favour we may be regarded, however unjustly, as the advocate of savages, satyrs, and pure sensuality.
— from Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - In his imprecations against "the Crucified," the advocate of autocracy and militarism rivals the most infuriated of revolutionary Socialists.
— from Secret societies and subversive movements by Nesta Helen Webster - Of course I can understand that it's a philosophical novel and written to advocate an idea....”
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - I was very well satisfied with my victory, and went to dine with the advocate, Agatha’s husband.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - Consistency, my dear Mr. Brocklehurst; I advocate consistency in all things.”
— from Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë
