Literary notes about state (AI summary)
The word "state" in literature unfolds a rich tapestry of meanings, extending far beyond its literal sense. It is often employed to denote a condition or mode of existence, whether that pertains to tangible, physical forms—like the crystallized state of carbon in diamond ([1]) or the mechanical disrepair of axles ([2])—or to the mental and emotional conditions of characters, as seen in the troubled state of mind ([3]) and subtle shifts in consciousness ([4], [5]). At the same time, “state” frequently symbolizes political entities or governing structures, appearing in discussions of national power and social order ([6], [7], [8], [9]). This versatility transforms the word into a bridge linking the material, psychological, and institutional realms, thereby deepening the layered meanings within literary works.
- But diamond is nothing more than carbon in a crystallized state.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The axles were in a hopeless state, and the missing wheel was shattered into pieces.
— from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame - My mind was in a state of consternation, for the constraint I had imposed on myself seemed much greater than the utmost pleasure I could have gained.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - (On the other side of Mr Inspector.) 'Two burglaries now, and a forgery!' With this indication of his depressed state of mind, Eugene fell silent.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - In his present state of mind he couldn’t take it.
— from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone - In a family, as in a state, some one person must be the ultimate ruler.
— from The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill - Late in the afternoon, we reached Annapolis, the capital of the state, stopping there not long enough to admit of my going ashore.
— from My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass - Here we have what is, in the State, the basis of government, often wrongly confused with the Sovereign, whose minister it is.
— from The Social Contract & Discourses by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Competition with State prison-labor has also been forbidden, for the State must occupy and feed its criminals.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl
