Literary notes about Cause (AI summary)
In literature, the word "cause" is employed in a variety of ways, functioning both as the trigger of events and as a justification for actions. In mythological and historical narratives, it often denotes a rationale for avenging wrongs or fighting for principles, as seen when divine wrath or loyalty prompts decisive action [1, 2]. Philosophical and scientific writings use the term to delve into the relationship between antecedent events and their effects, examining how one factor begets another, as discussed by authors who explore the underlying origins of phenomena [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. In more personal and emotive contexts, "cause" can refer to an ideological or emotional commitment that drives a character’s behavior or shapes their destiny [8, 9]. This flexibility highlights the rich and multifaceted role that the concept of cause plays across literary genres and periods.
- Anxious to appease the enraged deity Zeus assured him that his cause should be avenged.
— from Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E. M. Berens - Go, go to Mexico , where our supream Lord Montencuma will revenge our cause upon your persons.
— from A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Bartolomé de las Casas - As soon, in short, as we are enabled from any cause whatever to think with perfect fluency, the thing we think of seems to us pro tanto rational.
— from The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy by William James - The mind can never possibly find the effect in the supposed cause, by the most accurate scrutiny and examination.
— from An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume - The same relation, then, of cause and effect, which belongs to one, must be common to all of them.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - But a little thought will assure us that there is small cause for apprehension.
— from Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay by Immanuel Kant - This constant conjunction sufficiently proves, that the one part is the cause of the other.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - She was full of business and undoubtedly was, as she had told us, devoted to the cause.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - A very small degree of hope is enough to cause the birth of love.
— from On Love by Stendhal