Literary notes about craven (AI summary)
In literature, the term "craven" is employed in contrasting ways. On one hand, it is used as a descriptive adjective to underscore a character’s cowardice or moral weakness—as when a character’s "craven heart" is scorned [1] or when fear is depicted as causing one to hide in "craven fear" [2]. On the other, "Craven" functions as a surname, offering a subtle layer of irony or highlighting certain familial traits in characters from enduring works, notably in The Secret Garden [3], [4]. Such dual usage—both as a byword for timidity and as an identifier—demonstrates the word’s rich versatility, bridging its literal meaning with nuanced character portrayals across diverse literary traditions [5], [6].
- He bears him on the place's privilege, Or durst not for his craven heart say thus.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Or are they dead, Or do they hide in craven fear?
— from Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan by Toru Dutt - Mester Craven’ll come home.” “Do you think he will?” asked Colin.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - When he had gone away Mr. Craven sat a few moments holding them in his hand and looking at the lake.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - For worm-like, then, oh! who would craven crawl to land!
— from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville - It is absurd of me to be such a little craven; besides, what harm can a cabal do you?
— from Juliette Drouet's Love-Letters to Victor Hugo by Juliette Drouet and Louis Guimbaud
