Literary notes about Cheek (AI summary)
Writers use "cheek" in various nuanced ways to evoke both physical and emotional states. In epic verse, it can denote the impact of conflict or fate, as when a warrior’s injury is described with a grit that disrupts even his helm [1, 2]. In more intimate or tender scenes, the cheek becomes a canvas for subtle expressions of affection, tenderness, or vulnerability—a kiss pressed upon it or a tear tracing its curve [3, 4, 5]. At times, the term extends beyond mere physicality to denote character and attitude: a flushed cheek may reveal passion or anger [6, 7], while a pale one suggests shock or anxiety [8, 9]. Even the notion of insolence is captured when boldness is remarked upon by its presence [10, 11]. In all these contexts, the cheek emerges as a potent symbol that enriches the emotional undercurrent of a narrative.
- Full at Eupithes drove the deathful spear: The brass-cheek'd helmet opens to the wound; He falls, earth thunders, and his arms resound.
— from The Odyssey by Homer - In each discolour'd vase the viands lay; Then down each cheek the tears spontaneous flow And sudden sighs precede approaching woe.
— from The Odyssey by Homer - Nell looked at the old man, who nodded to her to retire, and kissed her cheek.
— from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens - He put his cheek to hers, and lingered over her with an affectionate solicitude beautiful to see.
— from Work: A Story of Experience by Louisa May Alcott - A big tear rolled down Lida's cheek and dropped on the book.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Her cheek was flushed by the expectation of struggle; her eyes sparkled with the hope of triumph.
— from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - The feverish colour came into her cheek, and the feverish flame into her eye.
— from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - You grow,’ said the lad, laying his hand timidly on that of Nicholas, ‘you grow thinner every day; your cheek is paler, and your eye more sunk.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - I kept quiet, yet internally I was much agitated: my pulse fluttered, and the blood left my cheek, which turned cold.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë - I left the War Minister to cross-examine him, for I felt he would think it cheek in me to talk.
— from The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan - "Why, they killed him," says Mr. Bucket, "on account of his having so much cheek.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
