Literary notes about Delectation (AI summary)
In literature, “delectation” is often employed to denote a refined, sometimes exclusive pleasure crafted for the enjoyment of a particular audience. Writers use the term to suggest both an intimate sensory indulgence and an elevated aesthetic experience—as when secret, private jokes embedded in art bring a special joy to the viewer [1] or when carefully arranged scenes and objects are presented solely for one’s amusement [2]. At times, the word even carries an ironic or critical tone, highlighting the deliberate crafting of pleasure in social or cultural contexts [3], while in other instances it evokes a lush, almost transcendental enjoyment of life’s delicate moments [4].
- "As you look at the drawings, secrets come out of them—private jokes, as it were, imparted to you by the author for your special delectation.
— from John Leech, His Life and Work, Vol. 2 [of 2] by William Powell Frith - "No, it will pass," was his answer; and going to his easel he placed, with the help of his son, picture after picture, for my delectation.
— from McClure's Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 6, May, 1896 by Various - A new celebrity had risen for the delectation of the fickle populace.
— from The Eternal Boy: Being the Story of the Prodigious Hickey by Owen Johnson - A sweet, languid delectation took possession of her whole being, and overwhelmed her with bliss.
— from The Marquis of Peñalta (Marta y María): A Realistic Social Novel by Armando Palacio Valdés
