In Coriolanus, the title character describes himself as…
““In Coriolanus, the title character describes himself as “like to a lonely dragon, that his fen makes fear’d and talk’d of more than seen.” That’s the first time lonely appeared in print.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The earliest printed use of “lonely” appears in a character’s self‑description as a dragon, highlighting isolation in literature.
In simple terms: First printed use of “lonely”.
Key Takeaway
Recognize early literary expressions of loneliness.
Themes
language
isolation
literature
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
First time:1
Like Lonely:0
Lonely Dragon:1
Lonely Appeared:1
Coriolanus Title:0
Character Describes:1
When to use this quote
- studying classic texts
- teaching literary history
- writing assignments
- research on word origins
Key Concepts
semantic evolution
character analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does loneliness resonate in this metaphor?
- How does this early use influence modern usage?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation may vary across editions.