Literary notes about shoulder (AI summary)
Writers often deploy "shoulder" as both a concrete physical location and a metaphor laden with emotional and symbolic weight. In some narratives it signifies support, intimacy, or a caring touch—as when a comforting hand is laid on one's shoulder to convey compassion ([1], [2], [3]). In other contexts, it underscores burden, duty, or even the readiness for combat, as seen when a character is urged to shoulder their responsibilities or physically bear equipment into battle ([4], [5], [6]). The expression "over the shoulder" further enriches narratives by connoting watchfulness or retrospection, inviting an awareness of what lies behind or beyond, as observed in moments of subtle tension or reflective pause ([7], [8], [9]).
- ‘Dick knows it,’ said my aunt, laying her hand calmly on my shoulder.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - "How silly I am," she sobbed against my shoulder.
— from The Gay Cockade by Temple Bailey - He leaned his face on the old father’s shoulder and gave a sob.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Take your spear, lay your shield upon your shoulder, and both fight the Trojans yourself and urge others to do so.
— from The Iliad by Homer - The hunter threw his gun over his shoulder and picked up his cap.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - So she gave him a horse and arms, and a bright scarlet robe of honour over his armour, and a yellow shield upon his shoulder.
— from The Mabinogion - The message was unnecessary; for the set, cruel face of the man himself was looking over the servant's shoulder.
— from The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle - Intently over her shoulder, without slackening speed, she looked ahead for the driving face.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - "But don't think too long," she called back over her shoulder.
— from The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim
