Literary notes about sole (AI summary)
The word "sole" functions as an intensifier that conveys a sense of exclusivity and singular focus throughout literature. Authors employ it to emphasize that a character’s intent, duty, or possession is unique and unshared, as seen when a protagonist pursues a lone objective or finds themselves with a singular companion ([1], [2]). It extends beyond abstract ideas into concrete descriptions as well, referring either to one-of-a-kind items or to physical attributes, such as designating an article of clothing or a particular type of fish ([3], [4]). In legal, philosophical, and narrative contexts alike, "sole" marks an exclusive claim or responsibility, thereby deepening the reader’s understanding of a character’s determination or the specificity of a situation ([5], [6], [7]).
- My sole object was to get shelter from the snow, to get myself covered and warm; then I might hope to plan.
— from The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance by H. G. Wells - With heavy heart, I sought out my sole friend, Jitendra.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - The turbot, John-dory, skate and sole, which were very dear, were reserved for the rich.
— from Manners, Customs, and Dress During the Middle Ages and During the Renaissance Period by P. L. Jacob - [pg 473] by his huge greased boot, with its thick, dirty sole.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Recommending my said husband to her care, whom I make the sole executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner.
— from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - But what is to be done if the direct and sole vocation of every intelligent man is babble, that is, the intentional pouring of water through a sieve?
— from White Nights and Other Stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
