Literary notes about Discussion (AI summary)
In literary works, the term "discussion" functions as a multifaceted device that can propel narrative action, provide critical analysis, or simply denote the exchange of ideas. In some texts, it signals the end of an event or thought—steering the reader away from further elaboration, as when a matter is abruptly closed off [1] or quietly deferred [2]. In other contexts, it portrays engaging dialogues among characters whose deliberations either reveal inner conflicts or set plans in motion [3], [4], [5]. Moreover, "discussion" is employed in more formal texts to introduce technical debates or philosophical explorations, framing the analysis of complex issues ranging from ethical dilemmas to social phenomena [6], [7]. Whether it marks a heated altercation [8] or a measured exposition of ideas [9], the word adapts to its narrative or argumentative purpose, serving as a pivot between action and thought and enriching the literary texture with its inherent versatility [10], [11].
- And, without farther discussion, the old Jew was forcibly dragged off in a different direction from the other prisoners.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - But the reflection that the totem itself is nothing but a substitute for the father relieves us of all further discussion.
— from Totem and Taboo by Sigmund Freud - And after a long discussion it was decided that they should go and lunch one day in the country.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - Having eaten some junket and lighted a cigarette, he came back to the discussion.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - The young man on the stairs did not linger to hear the rest of the discussion, but went on up the stairway and into the little dark hall.
— from Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small Town Life by Sherwood Anderson - The point in discussion was the question then in vogue: Is there a line to be drawn between psychological and physiological phenomena in man?
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - The question whether thought is possible without language has been a favorite topic of discussion among philosophers.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - The discussion grew dangerously heated on the second afternoon, and Holroyd saved the situation by going ashore in a boat to catch ants and see.
— from The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories by H. G. Wells - Their ample discussion of every detail of the cigar-lighter led them to speak of electric flat-irons and bed-warmers.
— from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis - All that I want is a public discussion of a public wrong.
— from The Trial by Franz Kafka - Our discussion hinged solely on what we, personally, ought to do.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
