Literal:
* Physical absence: Someone or something is left behind, no longer cared for, or has been left in a place with no sign of return. Examples: "The abandoned house stood on the hill, windows boarded up," "The abandoned dog whimpered in the alleyway."
Figurative:
* Emotional detachment: Someone is left feeling alone and unsupported, emotionally neglected. Examples: "He felt abandoned by his friends," "The child felt abandoned by his parents' constant fighting."
* Loss of hope: A dream, goal, or belief is given up on, discarded without any chance of recovery. Examples: "She abandoned her dream of becoming a doctor," "He abandoned his faith after years of suffering."
* Neglect and isolation: A place or object is left to decay and deteriorate, forgotten and unwanted. Examples: "The abandoned factory stood as a symbol of the town's decline," "The abandoned shipwreck was swallowed by the ocean."
The impact of "abandoned" in narrative:
* Heightens the sense of isolation and vulnerability: It creates a feeling of loneliness and emphasizes the character's vulnerability.
* Creates a sense of urgency: The reader might wonder why something was abandoned, what happened to those who left, or what will happen to those who are left behind.
* Develops themes of loss, neglect, and resilience: The abandoned object or character can symbolize the themes of loss and neglect. The story might explore how the character or the object copes with being abandoned, or how it seeks to reclaim its purpose.
Examples of "abandoned" in narrative:
* "The Great Gatsby": Gatsby's elaborate parties are filled with guests who are always leaving, symbolizing the fleeting nature of his wealth and the ultimately hollow nature of his pursuit of Daisy.
* "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy: The father and son wander a post-apocalyptic world, struggling to survive amidst the ruins of civilization, with the abandoned world reflecting the loss of hope and the struggle for survival.
* "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett: The abandoned secret garden is a metaphor for the neglected potential of the children who discover it.
In summary, "abandoned" in narrative is a powerful word that adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to a story. It evokes a sense of loss, isolation, and vulnerability, and can be used to explore themes of resilience, hope, and the consequences of neglect.