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Literary notes about Discomposed (AI summary)

"Discomposed" is employed in literature to denote a disruption in the natural state of composure, often conveying both emotional unease and a physical manifestation of inner turmoil. Authors use it to illustrate moments when a character's calm is disturbed—whether by unexpected encounters, internal conflict, or even trivial mishaps that subtly upend their usual demeanor, as seen when a character's face appears unsettled ([1]) or when a well-known figure is momentarily thrown off balance ([2]). The term can imply a transient state of disquiet, as reflected in a character’s shifting expressions or behavior ([3], [4], [5]), or signal a deeper, more sustained disturbance brought on by significant events, such as the profound discomposure observed in moments of high tension or shock ([6], [7]). Thus, "discomposed" becomes a versatile tool in the narrative, enriching the portrayal of characters in their moments of vulnerability and emotional flux ([8], [9]).
  1. The face of the Count of Ehrenstein seemed somewhat discomposed; but a moment's thought reassured him.
    — from The Castle of EhrensteinIts Lords Spiritual and Temporal; Its Inhabitants Earthly and Unearthly by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James
  2. I started, but was only discomposed a moment; I knew the voice and speaker.
    — from Villette by Charlotte Brontë
  3. Her pale countenance flushed, it became discomposed, and she turned her head away to hide the springing tears.
    — from From out the Vasty Deep by Marie Belloc Lowndes
  4. Julius had the grace to look discomposed.
    — from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
  5. She seemed slightly discomposed, and in haste.
    — from The Flight of the Shadow by George MacDonald
  6. The whites, of course greatly discomposed, had besides a curious look of being painfully shocked by such an outrageous row.
    — from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
  7. As it was, it only discomposed me strongly, even to the extent of awakening an indefinite apprehension in regard to Natalia Haldin.
    — from Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad
  8. Such doings discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly.
    — from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  9. The driver was evidently discomposed by the lateness of my arrival.
    — from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

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