Literary notes about Banter (AI summary)
Literary works use the word "banter" to convey an exchange of witty, light-hearted remarks that can mask deeper emotions or intellectual maneuverings. Plato, for instance, employs banter as a cover for confusion and insolence [1], while lexicons tie it to playful ridicule and retorts [2]. In narratives by Fielding and Stendhal, banter becomes a tactical interplay—either disarming a rival or revealing hidden truths [3, 4]. Later, authors like Joyce and Chopin illustrate how banter functions as both a social lubricant and a subtle marker of character, often lightening tense moments or undercutting pretensions [5, 6]. This versatile use of the term highlights its role not merely as idle chatter, but as a dynamic element that deepens the texture of dialogue and character interaction.