Literary notes about Choleric (AI summary)
The word "choleric" is frequently used in literature to depict individuals with a volatile, irritable temperament and even to refer to physical qualities associated with an angry disposition. In some writings, it is intertwined with the classical theory of humours, describing not only an emotional state but also a bodily condition marked by an excess of bile [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. At times, it characterizes a person’s entire nature – from Shakespeare’s sharp invectives [7, 8, 9, 10] and Dickens’s vivid portraits [11, 12, 13] to the satirical observations of historical figures [14, 15, 16, 17]. This dual usage—both medical and metaphorical—serves as a succinct descriptor that evokes quick-temperedness and passionate anger, linking physical appearance with the inner workings of one’s character.
- iver, the blood, [176] and the spleen, or an hot choleric stomach; to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits, and quench thirst:
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - It is a gentle purger of choler, and may be given even in fevers to draw away the sharp choleric humours.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - The green leaves eaten, purge the belly of choleric and waterish humours that trouble the stomach.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - The decoction of the leaves of Mercury, or the juice thereof in broth, or drank with a little sugar put to it, purges choleric and waterish humours.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - Waters cooling and repressing choleric humours, or vapours in the head.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - They are herbs of Mars, and as choleric and churlish as he is, being most violent purges, especially of choler and phlegm.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - To the choleric fisting of every rogue Thy ear is liable, thy food is such As hath been belch’d on by infected lungs.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - I durst have denied that, before you were so choleric.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Are you so choleric With Eleanor for telling but her dream?
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Lest it make you choleric, and purchase me another dry basting.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - ‘I see his head,’ exclaimed the choleric old man; ‘damme, I see his head.’
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - He did no work for two or three years before he died, but lived in clover; and his last act (like a choleric old gentleman) was to kick his doctor.
— from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens - ‘It’s easy enough to understand it,’ replied the choleric old gentleman.
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - Choleric Drouet steps out and steps in, with long-flowing nightgown; looking abroad, with that sharpness of faculty which stirred choler gives to man.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - Nevertheless, this modern Epaminondas made use of the rattan in his choleric moments, and advised its use!
— from The Reign of Greed by José Rizal - It appeared, indeed, from the countenance of this proprietor, that he was of a frank, but hasty and choleric temper.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - Then, in order to escape a libel suit, the choleric old man fled back to Italy.
— from English Literature by William J. Long
