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Literary notes about train (AI summary)

The word "train" is employed in literature with remarkable versatility, shifting seamlessly from literal to figurative meanings. In some narratives it refers directly to the locomotive that propels characters on physical journeys, as seen when characters catch an early train [1] or the next departure is awaited [2]. Elsewhere it conveys the image of a procession or entourage—a trailing line of attendants or symbols of nobility—as in the reference to a lady’s train [3] or the bridal train advancing from a church [4]. Moreover, authors use "train" metaphorically to evoke sequences and chains of events or thoughts, enriching reflective passages [5] and psychological musings [6]. This multiplicity of uses demonstrates how a single word can powerfully articulate both action and introspection within a literary work.
  1. Toad went up to Town by an early train this morning.
    — from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  2. The next train goes early in the morning.
    — from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  3. “Dear boy,” said Valentine, “Julia is not excepted; but I will grant that she alone is worthy to bear my lady's train.”
    — from Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by E. Nesbit and William Shakespeare
  4. They went from the church with the bridal train, They danced in glee, and they danced full fain; They danced them down to the salt-sea strand,
    — from Demonology and Devil-lore by Moncure Daniel Conway
  5. It may be doubted, however, whether this train of reflection is well founded.
    — from The Republic by Plato
  6. If now the brain-affection, which is the immediate cause of the new abnormal train of ideas, be not relieved, the latter becomes confirmed.
    — from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James

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