locus classicus (noun)

1. In Greek mythology, the story of the Trojan War is considered a locus classicus for tales of heroism and tragedy.

2. In the cartoon world, the catchphrase 'What's up, Doc?' from Bugs Bunny's character has become a locus classicus.

3. One of the most iconic locus classicus in horror literature is the opening line from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula': 'I saw the Count's eyes again.'

4. Shakespeare's sonnet 18, also known as 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?', is a well-known locus classicus in romantic poetry.