Literary notes about Cessation (AI summary)
The term "cessation" appears as a versatile marker of endings, pauses, or transitions throughout literature. It is employed to denote a sudden halt in action or sound—as when music stops unexpectedly, evoking wonder ([1])—and to signify the end of events such as tax impositions or hostilities ([2], [3]). At the same time, writers use it metaphorically to express the halting of sensations, be it the quieting of pain ([4], [5]) or even the cessation of life itself ([6]). In varied contexts, the word encapsulates both the abrupt break in continuity and the gradual, almost poetic pause in existence, thereby enriching the narrative with layers of finality and reprieve ([7], [8]).
- In fact, that lady did presently descend from her room, in double wonder at the noise and the subsequent cessation of Philip's music.
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot - Their circumstances were relieved most effectually, because a cessation was introduced of the taxes and levy.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - On these terms Antiochus was able to send envoys to Rome and effect a cessation of hostilities.
— from Dio's Rome, Volume 1 by Cassius Dio Cocceianus - Death is a cessation from the impression of the senses, the XXVII.
— from Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius - Not all pleasures come from cessation of pain.
— from On Love by Stendhal - Death is a cessation from the impression of the senses, the tyranny of the passions, the errors of the mind, and the servitude of the body.
— from Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius - Indeed it seemed to him that it must have ceased but lately and that it was the sudden cessation which had disturbed him.
— from Dracula's Guest by Bram Stoker - There was no cessation, but the regular moment's pause, in the utterance of these sounds.
— from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
