Literary notes about dame (AI summary)
The term "dame" is used in literature to denote various forms of femininity, ranging from respect and endearment to a marker of social status or age. In some texts, it carries a tone of grace and beauty, as when characters refer to a "comely dame" or a "beauteous dame" in heroic or poetic contexts ([1], [2]). At other times, it serves as an affectionate or even playful address, as seen in nursery rhymes and dialogues where older figures are called "old dame" or terms like "Dame Bragwaine" and "Dame Durden" appear ([3], [4], [5]). The word also finds its place in epic narratives and romantic novels where it is interwoven with cultural and mythological imagery, such as in translations of classic works ([6], [7]). Overall, its usage reflects a spectrum of connotations—from respect and formality to irony and familiarity, mirroring the diverse roles women play in these literary worlds.
- “How fare you neighbour?” said a pale young woman carrying an infant to the comely dame.
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli - Hast thou, O beauteous dame, no fear In the wild wood so lone and drear?
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - The children then all run away as fast as they can, and the Old Dame tries to catch one of them.
— from The Nursery Rhymes of England - Ah, fair knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth me Sir Breuse Saunce Pite to slay me.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - "We must not say so, Dame Durden," he cheerfully replied; "Ada is the happier, I hope, and that is much.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - nor ceased the dame to find This scar with which his manly knee was sign'd.
— from The Odyssey by Homer - At that time Dumas-fils’ beautiful work, La Dame aux Camélias —a novel which I consider imperishable—had just come into fashion.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
