Literary notes about Circumstance (AI summary)
In literature, the term "circumstance" often serves as a flexible tool to indicate a specific condition or event that influences characters, plots, or even broader social and political commentary. It can denote a moment of inner introspection or alarm, as when a character pauses to reflect on a troubling situation [1], or signal an unexpected turn of events that alters the course of action [2]. At times, the word underscores the importance of seemingly trivial details—elements that shape attitudes, decisions, or historical outcomes [3, 4]. Its use spans genres and eras, from evocative descriptions of personal moments [5] to authoritative narrations in historical and political texts [6, 7], highlighting its enduring capacity to deepen the narrative context.
- He stopped, and felt afraid and alarmed, and pondered over the circumstance.
— from Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm - But an unexpected circumstance occurred.
— from The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Tales by Bret Harte - This circumstance strengthened his conviction immensely, but also augmented his indignation.
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - Now that is a curious circumstance, my friend.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - 'Who was the prisoner?' enquired Emily, while her thoughts glanced back to the circumstance of the preceding night.
— from The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Ward Radcliffe - An actual census or enumeration of the people must furnish the rule, a circumstance which effectually shuts the door to partiality or oppression.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison - This is a circumstance calculated to have more influence upon the character of our governments, than but few may be aware of.
— from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison
