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Literary notes about Cavil (AI summary)

In literature, "cavil" is frequently used to denote petty objections or trivial criticisms, often highlighting a character’s reluctance to contest matters deemed indisputable or, conversely, to signal indiscretion in raising minor faults. Authors employ the word both as a marker of unchallenged acceptance—as when actions are carried out "without much cavil" [1] or when achievements are "established beyond cavil" [2]—and as a tool to express internal or external debates, seen when a character muses about minor imperfections in a cherished relationship [3] or when dissent is raised, albeit often fruitlessly, as in the relentless nature of criticism [4, 5]. In this way, "cavil" enriches the narrative by emphasizing the boundary between valid critical engagement and unwarranted faultfinding.
  1. Where the summons was accompanied by a military force, as at Truxillo and Arequipa, it was obeyed without much cavil.
    — from History of the Conquest of Peru With a Preliminary View of the Civilization of the Incas by William Hickling Prescott
  2. Her share of the profits was one thousand guineas and her fame was established beyond cavil.
    — from The Learned Lady in England, 1650-1760 by Myra Reynolds
  3. So, spite of this and spite of that, Whate’er betide, whate’er befall, These things let others cavil at; I love my sweetheart, faults and all.
    — from A Vers de Société Anthology
  4. Aye, they satisfied All my desire; yet still the cavil gnawed My heart, and still the story crept abroad.
    — from Oedipus King of Thebes by Sophocles
  5. Thou didst accept them; wilt thou enjoy the good, Then cavil the conditions?
    — from Paradise Lost by John Milton

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