Literary notes about Conjure (AI summary)
The word conjure appears with a rich versatility in literature, ranging from literal summoning to the evocative stirring of the imagination. In some instances it functions as a sincere, even urgent, appeal—for instance, characters command or entreat others with phrases like "I conjure you" to emphasize the seriousness of their request [1] [2] [3]. At other times, writers employ it metaphorically to bring forth emotional or intellectual imagery, as seen when conjuring up vivid pictures or memories [4] [5] [6]. This dual usage underscores the term's power both in the realm of the supernatural and in the art of evocation, allowing authors to enhance dramatic tension and deepen narrative resonance.
- I conjure thee but slowly; run more fast.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Sir, I conjure you, I entreat now, sir, give me your most sacred word of honor, that you will not tell her.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - I conjure you by everything you hold dear to answer a few questions.
— from A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle - It is notoriously hard to conjure up in imagination a lively image of either of these classes of feeling.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - He could conjure up nothing of sufficient point.
— from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane - For human society I was obliged to conjure up the former occupants of these woods.
— from Walden, and On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
