Literary notes about bawl (AI summary)
In literature, “bawl” is a dynamic term that captures the power of vocal expression, whether it’s a forceful command, an impassioned cry for help, or an outburst of anger. Authors use it to paint vivid scenes of characters shouting their emotions or orders at the top of their lungs, as when a boatswain’s directive propels action [1] or a desperate call to help is raised in pure agony [2]. It can also underscore moments of raw human emotion, such as the collective, mournful exclamation at a deathbed [3] or even a facetious reprimand meant to belittle untamed behavior [4]. This versatility allows “bawl” to convey both a literal and symbolic shout that resonates with the intensity of the human experience [5].
- The shrilling of a boatswain's pipe followed, and the hoarse bawl, "All first cutters away," started George to action.
— from Harper's Round Table, December 10, 1895 by Various - Then he began to bawl out as loudly as he could for help.
— from The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories by H. G. Wells - At the moment of death, all the women bawl out in lamentations, giving the alarm of death.
— from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston - —Don’t tell anyone, says the citizen, letting a bawl out of him.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - In front of the colors the three men began to bawl: "Come on!
— from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane