Literary notes about Contrary (AI summary)
The word “contrary” functions as a marker of opposition or reversal in literary discourse, employed to accentuate differences, challenge expectations, or delineate conflicting ideas. In philosophical meditations, for instance, it distinguishes between what is sensed and what is known, as in Pascal’s reflection ([1]), while in narrative fiction it underscores shifts in character behavior or emotion, such as a sudden departure from expected conduct ([2], [3]). It is also used to counter prevailing views or enhance the logical structure of an argument, as seen in judicial instructions and moral analyses ([4], [5]). Whether highlighting natural reversals or illustrating internal and external conflicts, “contrary” works to enrich both the thematic texture and the argumentative depth of literary texts ([6], [7]).
- [102] 265 Faith indeed tells what the senses do not tell, but not the contrary of what they see.
— from Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal - "Oh dear!" sighed Amy; "now she's in a contrary fit, and will drive me distracted before I can get her properly ready.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - On the contrary, I have hopes,” said Dolly, looking inquisitively at Anna.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - On the contrary, it is the judge's duty to charge the jury on these points strongly.
— from Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana - It is true that moral laws and duty are spoken of in the general moral philosophy (contrary indeed to all fitness).
— from Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant - They concluded that these categories could not be derived from experience,—on the contrary, the whole of experience rather contradicts them.
— from The Twilight of the Idols; or, How to Philosophize with the Hammer. The Antichrist by Nietzsche - It is however useless to regret forgotten advantages; let us, on the contrary, with new alacrity, avail ourselves of a present good.
— from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass
