Literary notes about Contrasting (AI summary)
The word “contrasting” functions as a literary device that underscores differences, whether between characters, settings, or ideas. It can highlight visual disparities, as when a character’s gray hair sets off a darkened face [1] or when hues clash to evoke a striking visual impact [2, 3]. At times, it draws attention to divergent social or historical realities, such as exposing the gap between past liveliness and contemporary hardships [4, 5]. In more analytical contexts, the term is employed to separate differing viewpoints or conceptual frameworks, prompting readers to consider the depth of oppositional forces at play [6, 7]. Whether through physical description or intellectual debate, “contrasting” enhances narrative complexity by making distinctions more vivid and impactful [8, 9].
- His hair and straggling beard were gray, contrasting with the sallow darkness of his skin.
— from The Second Latchkey by A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson - The red gleam of the flames upon the ice, contrasting with his own situation, struck a chill into Henry.
— from The Eyes of the Woods: A Story of the Ancient Wilderness by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler - The gentleman-farmer was dressed in cheerful style, in a new coat and white waistcoat, quite contrasting with his usual sober suits of grey.
— from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - Nevertheless, our Pragers still enjoy life, more than ever I should say, contrasting the city of to-day with that of some ten years ago.
— from From a Terrace in Prague by B. Granville (Bernard Granville) Baker - All these horrors afflicted Jurgis all the more cruelly, because he was always contrasting them with the opportunities he had lost.
— from The Jungle by Upton Sinclair - It is curious to find him contrasting Apollonius Rhodius as faultless, with Homer as great but faulty.
— from On the Sublime by active 1st century Longinus - Then we discover that two contrasting conditions have changed their relation to the treatment.
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud - This evening Bathsheba was unusually excited, her red cheeks and lips contrasting lustrously with the mazy skeins of her shadowy hair.
— from Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - The greensward of the level plain stretched away on every side—its verdant colour strongly contrasting with the dark brown granite of the mountain.
— from The Young Yagers: A Narrative of Hunting Adventures in Southern Africa by Mayne Reid
