Literary notes about trees (AI summary)
In literature, trees are much more than mere natural elements—they are profound symbols that help establish mood, setting, and even character. Often, trees serve as natural veils or gateways: a semicircular screen of trees hides secrets in Jules Verne’s narrative [1], while in other works they guide characters through transformative landscapes, as when a narrow path beneath the trees leads to a moment of repose in de Maupassant’s story [2]. In Gothic and atmospheric contexts, trees evoke feelings of isolation and mystery; bare, sprawling branches in Braddon’s depiction [3] and the mournful sigh of trees in Christie’s narrative [4] both contribute to an unsettling ambiance. Beyond mood, trees also represent continuity, memory, and cultural significance—from the ancient, almost mythic, trees of the Rámáyan [5, 6] to their use as enduring landmarks in historical memoirs [7]. In these ways, literature harnesses the image of trees to mirror the complexity of nature and the human condition alike.
- A semicircular screen of trees still hid it.
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - There was a narrow path beneath the trees, so they took it, and when they came to a small clearing, sat down.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - The over-arching trees stretched their leafless branches above his head, bare and weird in the dusky light.
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - The wind through the trees made a mournful noise, like some great giant sighing.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - And naught save longing trees remain.”
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Those trees in yellow robes behold, Like giants decked with burnished gold.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - At intervals the wire would be attached to trees, or some other permanent object, so that one pole was sufficient at a place.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant
