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.
- 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 - I am convinced you have been giving away some of your stuff lately.”
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - “To be sure I will,” said the old lady, giving a gracious bow to Mrs. Poyser.
— from Adam Bede by George Eliot - And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - So she ground away at her work, never giving it up.
— from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence - '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 - 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 - There would have been a comfort in giving her Christian burial.
— from Mosses from an old manse by Nathaniel Hawthorne