Literary notes about Gracious (AI summary)
Literary writers employ "gracious" in a variety of nuanced ways, ranging from courteous address to expressions of exclamation. In some works, it celebrates refined manners and dignified benevolence—as seen when a character is referred to in a manner that underscores noble behavior ([1],[2],[3]). In other instances it punctuates moments of surprise or emotional intensity, emerging as a sudden exclamation in the midst of unfolding events ([4],[5],[6]). Moreover, the adjective is used to evoke a sense of divinely inspired mercy or compassionate authority, thereby enhancing the tone of solemn proclamations and respectful appeals ([7],[8],[9]). This dynamic deployment reflects the term’s adaptability in imbuing narrative dialogue with both erudite grace and heartfelt emotion.
- Be gracious, Prince, to lord and peer, And widowed queens who seek thee here
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - O my generous, kind protector, said I, how gracious is it to confirm thus the doubting mind of your poor servant!
— from Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson - Assure you, my good liege, I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious King:
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - We had no sooner seated ourselves, than Miss Branghton exclaimed, “Good gracious!
— from Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World by Fanny Burney - “And now you’ll have a million roubles, at least—goodness gracious me!”
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - My aunt entered, gave a scream of surprise—well acted—and cried out— “Good gracious!
— from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous - [525-559] the seas, stay the dreadful flames from our ships; spare a guiltless race, and bend a gracious regard on our fortunes.
— from The Aeneid of Virgil by Virgil - Yet in thy very many mercies thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them: because thou art a merciful and gracious God.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Thank gracious goodness heavins, I've found him!'
— from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
