Literary notes about Absurd (AI summary)
Literary authors employ the term "absurd" to signal a divergence from rational expectation and to spotlight the inherent contradictions in human behavior and societal structures. In some narratives, it is used almost conversationally to cast ordinary statements or actions as bizarre or incongruent with reality—for instance, when a matter-of-fact remark appears comically out of place ([1]) or when a character's white-faced reaction underscores unexpected shock ([2]). In philosophical and political discourses, the word takes on a critical edge, challenging notions of perpetual happiness or logical governance by equating them with irrationality ([3], [4], [5]). Moreover, in various fictional settings, "absurd" conveys not only a critique of flawed reason but also a subtle humor, as when human endeavors are depicted in an almost laughable light ([6], [7]).
- The matter-of-fact things he said were absurd in contrast.
— from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence - "The absurd creature turned as white as a sheet when he saw her," she thought.
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - And it is most absurd and ridiculous for any mortal man to look for a perpetual tenure of happiness in his life.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - It is absurd, therefore, to imagine the senses can ever distinguish betwixt ourselves and external objects.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - It is as absurd in public affairs as it would be in private, that every workman should be looked after by a superintendent to himself.
— from Considerations on Representative Government by John Stuart Mill - In the hall I paused just a minute—I was suddenly overcome by an absurd dread.
— from Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery - How absurd life was—it was laughable, simply laughable.
— from Bliss, and other stories by Katherine Mansfield
