Literary notes about Astounded (AI summary)
In literature, "astounded" is frequently employed to convey a deep, almost overwhelming sense of surprise or shock, whether at the unexpected actions of others or at events that defy ordinary explanation. Authors harness this term to capture moments where characters are mentally or emotionally overwhelmed—sometimes by marvel, as when confronted with extraordinary sights or revelations ([1], [2]), and at other times by the sheer audacity of human behavior or circumstance ([3], [4]). The word often marks a turning point in a narrative, suggesting that the character's understanding or expectations are being fundamentally challenged ([5], [6]). This versatile term, therefore, enriches the text by marking those rare instances when reality itself seems to upend the ordinary.
- I had no conception that vessels ever came so far north and was astounded at the sight.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - The Tartar read these words and was astounded at the power of the life-giving cross.
— from Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore - “Nastasia Philipovna, I can’t; my hands won’t obey me,” said Ferdishenko, astounded and helpless with bewilderment.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Razumihin was greatly astounded, then anger, real anger gleamed fiercely in his eyes.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But amazement stopped me on the threshold, panting, astounded, more astonished than I had been by the absence of the man.
— from The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar by Maurice Leblanc - The director of her conscience was astounded at having the case presented to him thus with the simplicity of Columbus’ egg.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
