Literary notes about Countenance (AI summary)
In literature, “countenance” is a term rich with nuance, often serving as a visual shorthand for a character’s inner state or moral quality. It can evoke a range of emotions—from the profound gloom depicted when a character’s face shifts into sorrowful desolation ([1]) to the transformative glow of pleasure that lights up one’s expression ([2], [3]). Writers harness this word to subtly reveal internal conflicts and secret thoughts, as a single glance or the slightest alteration of expression can betray what lies beneath ([4], [5]). At times, countenance even suggests a broader ethical or spiritual bearing—a steadfast, dignified look that speaks to a person’s inherent qualities ([6], [7], [8]). Whether illustrating mirth, melancholy, or a resolute determination that hints at deeper virtues or vices, the portrayal of countenance enriches the narrative by connecting the unspoken, visual language of the face with the inner life of its bearer ([9], [10]).
- His countenance instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom; and he replied, “To seek one who fled from me.”
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - "It is possible," I replied; and her countenance became radiant with pleasure.
— from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - As he said this, his countenance became expressive of a calm settled grief, that touched me to the heart.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - How often do the involuntary motions of the countenance discover our inward thoughts, and betray our most private secrets to the bystanders.
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - As the trial had proceeded, her countenance had altered.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - A man is known by his look, and a wise man, when thou meetest him, is known by his countenance.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The countenance of an upright man always gives inquietude to knaves.
— from The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - And that which would appear offence in us, His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - A strange smile overspread his countenance.
— from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Look at my eyes and you will see what no looking-glass has ever shown you--a frank and honorable countenance.”
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
