Literary notes about thespian (AI summary)
In literary texts, “thespian” is deployed in a multifaceted manner that ranges from a straightforward reference to an actor or member of a theatrical society [1, 2] to a more nuanced emblem of artistic aspiration and cultural identity. Authors use the term to evoke both the credentials of a dedicated performer—someone celebrated within exclusive clubs and mirrors of dramatic art [3, 4, 5]—and the broader, sometimes satirical, social arena where theatrical pursuits mingle with everyday life [6, 7, 8]. Whether describing the sublime inspiration of a character’s muse-like moment [9] or highlighting the communal bonds among actors and aficionados [10, 11], “thespian” emerges as a dynamic label that underscores the rich tapestry of performance and its resonance within literature [12, 13].
- Orlando B. Sturge is my name, sir, and familiar—as I may say without vanity—wherever the Thespian art is honoured.
— from The Mayor of Troy by Arthur Quiller-Couch - "Hand-clapping?" "Yes," said the Thespian, "they are giving me enough applause to show they appreciate me."
— from Toaster's Handbook Jokes, Stories, and Quotations - He soon after published a little paper called The Thespian Mirror , which had a short existence.
— from Early American Plays, 1714-1830 A Compilation of the Titles of Plays and Dramatic Poems Written by Authors Born in or Residing in North America Previous to 1830 by Oscar Wegelin - Eric turned back towards Grosvenor Place and walked to the Thespian Club.
— from The Secret Victory by Stephen McKenna - The Thespian Wigwam, 215 Looks about him—The curtain goes up—An interesting pair.
— from Doesticks: What He Says by Q. K. Philander Doesticks - The Thespian army had no need of a recruiting-sergeant or a press-gang to reinforce its ranks.
— from A Book of the PlayStudies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character by Dutton Cook - He would not commence at the bottom of the ladder and climb from round to round, nor take part in more than a few Thespian efforts.
— from The Life, Crime, and Capture of John Wilkes Booth by George Alfred Townsend - After these events, Themistocles got him made a Thespian, when the Thespians augmented the number of their citizens, and gave him a competent fortune.
— from The Boys' and Girls' Herodotus Being Parts of the History of Herodotus, Edited for Boys and Girls by Herodotus - But it's liable to be a little shy of the Thespian muse.
— from Bud: A Novel by Neil Munro - We boys caught the fever, and got up an organization of our own, the 'Thespian Troupe,' which played Pocahontas with tremendous applause."
— from Harper's Round Table, January 14, 1896 by Various - 'Slid, I shall love Apollo and the mad Thespian girls the better, while I live, for this, my dear Fury; now, I see there's some love in thee.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - The intonation, 133 the fervour and fire, the gesticulation were the perfect interpretation of a poet, a mystic, a veritable Thespian.
— from The Spoilers of the Valley by Robert Watson - Thespis (about 536 B.C.) is said to have introduced this idea of the dialogue; hence the term "Thespian" applied to the tragic drama.
— from General History for Colleges and High Schools by P. V. N. (Philip Van Ness) Myers
