Literary notes about Discourteous (AI summary)
The term "discourteous" in literature is often used to highlight breaches of etiquette and civility that carry social or personal consequences. Authors employ it to mark moments when characters either commit or react to lapses in courteous behavior, whether through overt insults or subtle slights. For instance, it is used in contexts where a minor transgression almost leads to dramatic outcomes—a challenge to a duel over a single discourteous act ([1])—or where characters carefully navigate social interactions to avoid being labeled as rude ([2], [3]). In other works, the word underscores the tension between personal feelings and societal expectations, such as when a character apologizes for discourteous silence or conduct ([4], [5]), or when it critiques the behavior of those in power ([6], [7]). Across these narratives, "discourteous" functions as a descriptor that not only defines a character’s actions but also reflects the broader cultural importance of civility.
- “Besides that, he must beg my pardon for his discourteous act of yesterday, or fight a duel!”
— from Pan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania by Adam Mickiewicz - "It does seem so," I admitted, loth to talk, yet not wishing to be discourteous.
— from The Holladay Case: A Tale by Burton Egbert Stevenson - If I appear discourteous, kindly recall that it was none of my doing."
— from Midnight by Octavus Roy Cohen - For years I have answered kindly meant inquiry with discourteous silence, bearing insinuations, calumny, insults—and all because I cannot speak.
— from The Tides of Barnegat by Francis Hopkinson Smith - A slight flush came into his companion's cheek, and the other hastened to add,-- "Believe me, I meant nothing discourteous.
— from The Black Eagle; or, Ticonderoga by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - I am afraid that the truth may seem discourteous; and I hesitate to answer, lest Gorgias should imagine that I am making fun of his own profession.
— from Gorgias by Plato - The ministers apologized very humbly for having made use of discourteous forms, and promised to take great care for the future.
— from A Diplomat in Japan by Ernest Mason Satow