Literary notes about Distressing (AI summary)
The word distressing functions as a versatile modifier in literary works, used to highlight both physical hardships and emotional turmoil. In some texts it emphasizes grueling experiences of bodily danger or discomfort, as when characters confront harsh natural forces or warring conditions ([1], [2], [3]), while in others it captures the anxiety of interpersonal relations and the burden of painful memories ([4], [5], [6]). At times the term even conveys a subtle irony or a sense of resigned inevitability in challenging social or personal circumstances ([7], [8], [9]). In each use, distressing enriches the narrative by deepening the reader’s sense of unease and highlighting the gravity of the situation.
- This cost us much labour and fatigue; and, what was yet more distressing, we could not avoid having our legs cut and torn very much with the rocks.
— from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African by Equiano - Under these distressing circumstances, the boarding officer of the Leopard took the deserters and sailed for Halifax.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - This was an hour of high excitement and distressing anxiety.
— from My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass - "I have kept many things from your knowledge, Marian, for fear of distressing you, and making you unhappy at the outset of our new lives.
— from The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - To Anne herself it was most distressing to see Mr Elliot enter the room; and quite painful to have him approach and speak to her.
— from Persuasion by Jane Austen - All that was distressing, and especially all that was humiliating, in her position rose vividly to her mind.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - But the most distressing thing of all was that he was always making plans, and often they went beyond the 13th!
— from The Mysterious Stranger, and Other Stories by Mark Twain - It is always distressing when outraged morality does not possess the strength of arm to administer direct chastisement on the sinner.
— from The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham - Yes, we are severed; there is the great, the distressing truth!
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
