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Literary notes about giving (AI summary)

In literature the word "giving" is remarkably versatile, often serving as a dynamic participle that both modifies actions and deepens narrative context. In some texts it connotes the literal act of transferring something—from a character "giving directions" or "giving away" objects as seen in Galsworthy’s brisk departure [1] and Conrad’s remark on material loss [2], to the symbolic bestowal of emotion or consequence, as in the graceful bow in Eliot’s account [3] or the act of giving thanks in the Bible [4]. At times, it reflects determination, as when a character refuses to quit or relinquish effort (Lawrence’s persistent work in "The Rainbow" [5]), while in other instances it frames authority or support, such as in the issuance of orders [6, 7] or the offering of comfort [8]. This diverse use—from the tangible to the metaphorical—demonstrates how "giving" enriches both action and meaning, adapting to context across works from Molière to Tolstoy and beyond.
  1. He went downstairs shaking the whole house, and, seizing his hat, clambered into his brougham, without giving any directions to the coachman.
    — from The Forsyte Saga, Volume I. by John Galsworthy
  2. I am convinced you have been giving away some of your stuff lately.”
    — from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad
  3. “To be sure I will,” said the old lady, giving a gracious bow to Mrs. Poyser.
    — from Adam Bede by George Eliot
  4. And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  5. So she ground away at her work, never giving it up.
    — from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence
  6. 'Join your right-hand to your firelock,' cried the corporal, giving the word of command, and performing the motion.—
    — from The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne
  7. General Tyler was there in person, giving directions, and soon after he ordered us all back to our camp in Centreville.
    — from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman
  8. There would have been a comfort in giving her Christian burial.
    — from Mosses from an old manse by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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