Literary notes about Faltering (AI summary)
The word "faltering" functions as a literary tool to convey hesitation, vulnerability, and emotional instability in both speech and movement. Authors employ it to illustrate moments when a character’s voice wavers under the burden of distress or uncertainty, as seen when strained dialogue emerges in a faltering voice during times of intense emotion [1, 2, 3]. Simultaneously, it characterizes indecisive or unsteady physical actions, such as faltering steps that betray a deep-seated fear or loss of confidence [4, 5, 6]. In this way, the term not only provides a vivid sensory impression but also deepens our understanding of characters confronting inner turmoil or external challenges [7, 8].
- “I thought, my father,” said Lucie, excusing herself, with a pale face and in a faltering voice, “that I heard strange feet upon the stairs.”
— from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - "Mr. Osborne," said Dobbin, with a faltering voice, "it's you who are insulting the best creature in the world.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - In a tearful, faltering, sobbing voice he cried: “What should I say to my boy if I took money from you for our shame?”
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But Halfdan first crossed the threshold, his faltering gait showing plainly that he feared an unfriendly reception.
— from Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas by H. A. Guerber - “He hates me, that’s clear,” she thought, and in silence, without looking round, she walked with faltering steps out of the room.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - And, pressing his handkerchief to his face, he left the room, with faltering footsteps.
— from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame - H2 anchor Chapter 1.3.V. Lomenie's Thunderbolts. Arise, Lomenie-Brienne: here is no case for 'Letters of Jussion;' for faltering or compromise.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - At last, faltering and continually glancing at her daughter, she confessed that she was exceedingly worried by one circumstance.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
