Literary notes about sun (AI summary)
In literature, the word “sun” appears as a striking and multifaceted symbol, representing not only the literal warmth and light of day but also deeper themes of renewal, power, and divinity. In some texts, the rising or setting sun marks natural cycles or pivotal moments—for instance, the notion of waiting for the sun to be “hot” before opening Jerusalem’s gates [1] or the symbolic east where “Juliet is the sun” [2]. Other works elevate the sun to the status of a divine messenger or a source of heroic splendor, as seen when it is paralleled with mythic figures or revered as the fount of life [3, 4]. Even in more quotidian or ironic contexts—where its effects are noted in daily labor or casual conversation [5, 6]—the sun’s enduring presence is used to highlight both the beauty and the relentless rhythm of nature. This diverse use of “sun” underscores its role as a powerful literary device that bridges the physical and the metaphysical across genres and eras.
- And I said to them: Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened till the sun be hot.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!
— from The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe - It was called Hagnon, the same as Ain-On, the fount of the Sun.
— from A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6) by Jacob Bryant - Then Ráma, best of Raghu's line, Made the fair seat with lustre shine As when the orient sun upsprings And his pure beam on Meru flings.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - He not only beat his laborers well and exposed them out in the sun, but he also knew how to wake the sleepers and put the waking to sleep.
— from The Social Cancer: A Complete English Version of Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal - Isn’t the sun nice?
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett