Literary notes about mettle (AI summary)
Literary authors often employ the word "mettle" to evoke a sense of inner strength and resolve that is revealed in moments of testing or adversity. In several works by Shakespeare, for instance, mettle is used to illustrate both the fiery temper and the steadfast spirit of a character—comparing anger to a full hot horse in one instance ([1]) and acknowledging a man’s strength of character in another ([2], [3]). Other writers extend this metaphor to military exploits or personal challenges, as seen in narratives where characters prove themselves in the field or under pressure ([4], [5], [6]). Whether highlighting the need for resilience in everyday tasks or celebrating heroic endurance in battle, the use of "mettle" consistently underscores a deep, intrinsic capacity to withstand and overcome obstacles.
- Anger is like A full hot horse, who being allow'd his way, Self-mettle tires him.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - IAGO Why, now I see there's mettle in thee; and even from this instant do build on thee a better opinion than ever before.
— from Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare - What though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.
— from Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare - The South was aware that he was sage in council; he had yet to prove his mettle in the field.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - " "Now," quoth Little John, "is there never a man here that will lend me a good stout staff till I try the mettle of yon fellow?"
— from The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle - You are a fine, smart looking fellow; show your mettle, then, and make yourself a name in story.
— from The Odyssey by Homer
