Literary notes about Doubtful (AI summary)
The term “doubtful” in literature is often used to evoke uncertainty or to qualify the reliability of a claim, work, or character. Authors employ it to subtly question established ideas, whether by casting suspicion on lineage or authenticity, as in the assertion regarding Palaeolithic descendants [1] or the attribution of certain works to Shakespeare [2]. It also appears to describe ambiguous circumstances in historical or narrative events, such as the transient impact of early voyages [3] and the uncertain nature of human intentions or success [4][5]. In many instances, “doubtful” helps shape an atmosphere of indecision or skepticism, inviting readers to consider complexities and the limitations of evidence [6][7].
- It is doubtful whether Palaeolithic man has left any descendants.
— from English Villages by P. H. Ditchfield - Two Noble Kinsmen is a play not ordinarily found in editions of Shakespeare, but it is often placed among his doubtful works.
— from English Literature by William J. Long - As these voyages were not followed up by permanent occupation of the country it is doubtful if they made any lasting impression upon Indian tradition.
— from Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney - But God, who made us, knows, and will not leave us on our toilsome and doubtful march, either to wander in infinite uncertainty, or perish by the way!
— from Mosses from an old manse by Nathaniel Hawthorne - There they fought with doubtful success, and as it were with equal advantage, and the victory doubtful.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - How much direct effect difference of climate, food, etc., produces on any being is extremely doubtful.
— from On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - “I think it is doubtful; very doubtful.”
— from What Is Man? and Other Essays by Mark Twain
