Literary notes about knowing (AI summary)
In literature, “knowing” is a multifaceted term that conveys both clarity and ambiguity, revealing character insights and thematic depth. Authors employ it to indicate a purposeful awareness or premonition—for instance, characters acting on an inner certainty in epic quests or moral endeavors [1], [2]—while at other times its absence heightens the portrayal of confusion and vulnerability in the human condition [3], [4]. Whether suggesting a deliberate understanding of hidden truths or an ironic commentary on inadvertent actions, the word enriches narrative tone and invites readers to consider the often complex relationship between knowledge and experience [5], [6].
- And knowing the desire of his beloved queen that bull among men, Bhima of great strength, also set out, in order to gratify her.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - If I die to-morrow, as is likely enough, I die knowing that my work in this world is done, and well done.
— from A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle - Whilst he was standing thus, not knowing what to do, he saw, not far from him, two men who were struggling fiercely together.
— from Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm - Ivan Alexeyitch cleared his throat in confusion and looked about him hopelessly, at his wits' end, not knowing what to say or do.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Mr Lammle joined in the laugh and looked knowing; and the more he did both, the more exquisite the secret joke became for Mr Fledgeby.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - The world is entirely idea, and as such demands the knowing subject as the supporter of its existence.
— from The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 1 of 3) by Arthur Schopenhauer
