Literary notes about Extempore (AI summary)
The term "extempore" in literature has often been employed to evoke the immediacy and spontaneity of speech, poetry, or musical composition. Poets like Robert Burns embraced the adjective to title impromptu compositions and to celebrate unpremeditated expression ([1], [2], [3], [4]), while novelists such as James Joyce and M. E. Braddon used it to describe impromptu translations or musical renditions that arose directly from inspiration ([5], [6]). Similarly, in oratory and religious contexts, extempore prayers and speeches are highlighted as unscripted and heartfelt moments, reflecting an authentic, unrehearsed eloquence ([7], [8], [9], [10], [11]). Even philosophical and rhetorical texts stress the value—and the danger—of extempore discourse, underscoring its role in balancing thoughtful preparation with natural, spontaneous creation ([12], [13], [14]).
- In A Favourite Character Extempore On Some Commemorations Of Thomson Duncan Gray Here's A Health To Them
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - Extempore
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - A Grace Before Dinner, Extempore O thou who kindly dost provide For every creature's want!
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - R.B. H2 anchor Stanzas On Naething Extempore Epistle to Gavin Hamilton, Esq.
— from Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Robert Burns - These opening bars he sang and translated extempore .
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - He stopped and listened to the slow harmonies of a dreamy melody that sounded like an extempore composition of an accomplished player.
— from Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon - Then she asked him to pray, but he had never offered up an extempore prayer.
— from Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by Aaron Bernstein - For the first time in my life [271] I prayed extempore.
— from Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by Aaron Bernstein - But to let mere lads speak extempore is to give rise to the acme of foolish talk.
— from Plutarch's Morals by Plutarch - 19 Not that I would altogether reject extempore oratory, or its use in critical cases, but it should be used only as one would take medicine.
— from Plutarch's Morals by Plutarch - But, my sweet Phaedrus, how ridiculous it would be of me to compete with Lysias in an extempore speech!
— from Phaedrus by Plato - EXTEMPORAL, extempore, unpremeditated.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - I will challenge him myself presently at extempore.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - EXTEMPORAL, extempore, unpremeditated.
— from The Alchemist by Ben Jonson
