Literary notes about big (AI summary)
In literature, the word "big" serves as both a literal descriptor of size and a metaphor for importance or character. It often highlights physical largeness—whether referring to substantial objects or landscapes, as seen with the "big old bureau" and "big stones" that suggest tangible presence ([1], [2]), or to expansive architectural features like roofs and castles ([3], [4]). At the same time, "big" marks significance beyond mere dimensions; it may denote emotional weight or societal stature, whether evoking a sense of robust character in a "big man" ([5]) or emphasizing impactful sums and wages ([6], [7]). Additionally, it brings life to abstract traits by accentuating attention to detail, as with "big tear-stained eyes" that signal deep emotion ([8]), or by playfully underlining feats that set characters apart ([9]). Thus, this term functions dynamically to enrich narrative texture throughout diverse literary works ([10], [11]).
- I remember what a kindly wink the knobs of our big old bureau used to have, and there was one chair that always seemed like a strong friend.
— from The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - ] NORA They're carrying a thing among them and there's water dripping out of it and leaving a track by the big stones.
— from Riders to the Sea by J. M. Synge - Buck lived at a big house in the sun-kissed Santa Clara Valley.
— from The call of the wild by Jack London - Halvor followed this, and when evening drew near he saw a big castle far away in the distance, and there were lights in it.
— from The Red Fairy Book - "Why, you're such a big man, you carry all before you, it, seems.
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot - That's all he can do for the money they give him; and it's a big sum—it's a big sum.
— from Adam Bede by George Eliot - Juozas is driving one of Durham's wagons, and is making big wages.
— from The Jungle by Upton Sinclair - "I know it's not your fault, Nikolay Sergeitch," said Mashenka, looking him full in the face with her big tear-stained eyes.
— from The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - They do a thing that puts them apart—it may be the big, brave thing—but the apartness does something to them.
— from Plays by Susan Glaspell - An instrument of thy body is also thy little sagacity, my brother, which thou callest “spirit”—a little instrument and plaything of thy big sagacity.
— from Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - This is the story of the great war that Rikki-tikki-tavi fought single-handed, through the bath-rooms of the big bungalow in Segowlee cantonment.
— from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
