Literary notes about Defamation (AI summary)
In literature, defamation is portrayed as a corrosive force that tarnishes reputations and disrupts social order. Authors use the term not only to refer to direct attacks on a person’s character through written words—as in the contrast between libel and slander noted in [1]—but also to explore the broader ramifications of spoken and insinuated abuse ([2],[3]). Its use extends into political and religious realms, where defamation becomes emblematic of injustice and moral decay, as when reputations are besmirched to achieve personal or political ends ([4],[5],[6]). This multifaceted term thus serves as a powerful literary device, reflecting both the vulnerability of personal honor and the societal consequences that arise from harmful misrepresentation ([7],[8]).
- Slander is oral defamation, and libel is written defamation.
— from Commercial Law by Richard William Hill - Direct defamation is committed either by plain words or by insinuation.
— from Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Charles J. (Charles Jerome) Callan - I walked over to the despised Madonna that was tipped up on its side, ready to be walked off on another expedition of defamation.
— from Literary Love-Letters and Other Stories by Robert Herrick - ]: "Although we are able to save souls by Penance, we are unable to remove the defamation."
— from Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint - Indeed, Mr. Davis has been peculiar in his complete exemption from that personal defamation, which is almost a necessity of political life.
— from The Life of Jefferson Davis by Frank H. (Frank Heath) Alfriend - This is a high defamation to Jesus Christ, and his Kingly Office .
— from A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-Government and Ministry by Ministers and Elders of the London Provinciall Assembly - Is there, then, no remedy, Gentlemen, against such a public defamation of one's name and fame?
— from The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 10 Prince Otto Von Bismarck, Count Helmuth Von Moltke, Ferdinand Lassalle - Otherwise, Plum's father could raise a big row, and he might even sue the doctor for defamation of character, or something like that."
— from Dave Porter in the South Seas; or, The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel by Edward Stratemeyer
