Literary notes about Deviant (AI summary)
The term "deviant" is often used to designate divergence from normative behavior or standard cultural expectations. In some narratives, it marks a character or trait that may be inherently dangerous or untrustworthy, such as an individual whose behavior endangers others ([1], [2]) or one whose differences are met with fear and political suspicion ([3], [4]). In other contexts, however, the word serves as a more neutral descriptor of departure from mainstream norms, as when it merely emphasizes nonconformity without heavy moral condemnation ([5], [6]). Moreover, its use can extend metaphorically to register record deviations or unusual paths, thereby challenging readers to reflect on the societal and personal implications of what is considered acceptable ([7], [8]).
- If allowed to reach age-set or adulthood, such a deviant could be dangerous to its owner or to others.
— from Conditionally Human by Walter M. Miller - I almost lost my temper, thinking of this deviant's crimes.
— from Question of Comfort by Les Cole - Under the circumstances, deviant behavior could not be tolerated.
— from The Status Civilization by Robert Sheckley - People whose greatest crime might have been lack of enthusiasm feared that they might be suspected of deviant political beliefs.
— from Area Handbook for Romania by Eugene K. Keefe - It was deviant more for him in the sense of diverging from the mainstream than anything significantly pejorative.
— from An Apostate: Nawin of Thais by Steven David Justin Sills - There's nothing shameful, deviant or weird about either of them.
— from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - This hanging is a deviant from the old story in which Till evades his doom and cheats the executioner.
— from Philip Hale's Boston Symphony Programme Notes by Philip Hale - Others were the same but they flew away from him in their own deviant paths.
— from Corpus of a Siam Mosquito by Steven David Justin Sills
