[…] there is no doubt that a definite article normally involves some relation to what precedes, since one of its normal functions is to indicate that the accompanying being, object, or notion has been previously mentioned. But this role is in no way distinct from that of pointing to the fact of that being, object, or notion universally known, as when we say 'the sun', 'the King', or 'the lion' for the species. The definite article is not indicative of any relationship; it is the mark of some specific information added to the communication, just like any other modifier such as ‘singular’ or ‘plural’. It summarizes some previous informations, but gives no indications as to what the function of its environment is in the linguistic rendering of the experience which is being communicated.
- Martinet (1962), a pag.96-97