The term contrite is employed in literature to evoke a sense of deep remorse and sincere penitence, often marking moments of moral reckoning or spiritual renewal. Authors use it to describe characters whose expressions or hearts reveal genuine regret—not merely a superficial apology but a profound, internal acknowledgment of fault. In certain works, a contrite demeanor is portrayed in lofty religious language, suggesting that a humble, broken spirit is acceptable in the eyes of the divine ([1], [2], [3]), while in other instances it surfaces in more mundane or even ironic contexts where characters balance shame with their everyday interactions ([4], [5], [6]). Whether underscoring a religious sacrifice or a personal admission of guilt, contrite serves as a literary device that powerfully communicates the transformative potential of self-reproach.