Literary notes about Immaculate (AI summary)
The word "immaculate" is used in literature to evoke an ideal of purity and perfection, whether in a sacred, aesthetic, or even ironic sense. In religious discourse, it is often linked to divine origins or sanctity, as in references to the immaculate conception of a savior or virgin birth [1][2][3][4], thereby imbuing such narratives with a sense of otherworldly cleanliness and flawlessness. At the same time, authors use the term to describe physical appearances or objects that are faultlessly maintained, such as a perfectly clean collar or the unspoiled whiteness of a building [5][6][7]. In some contexts the word takes on a more metaphorical tone, characterizing a person’s character or conduct as impeccably pure—or even playfully exaggerating their unblemished qualities [8][9][10][11]. Thus, "immaculate" serves as a versatile literary device, whether to ennoble sacred mysteries or to paint vivid pictures of pristine, worldly order.
- IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND MIRACULOUS BIRTH OF THE CHRISTIAN SAVIOR.
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - This life of Mary began, not with the day of her birth, but with her immaculate conception in the womb of Anne, her mother.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - " Of the ancient Mexicans, it is said "they had the immaculate conception, the crucifixion, and the resurrection after three days."
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - She conceived a son without connection with a man"—a very obvious case of immaculate conception.
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - Bob dipped brush in paint and reached toward the immaculate whiteness of the building.
— from Left Half Harmon by Ralph Henry Barbour - He was dressed in a heavy broadcloth frock coat and waistcoat, with light-coloured trousers, and immaculate collar and cuffs.
— from A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle - His linen must always be immaculate, his clothes "in press," his shoes perfectly "done."
— from Etiquette by Emily Post - "I should be sorry to think that she was immaculate," said Lady Caroline, calmly, "it has such an uncomfortable sound.
— from A True Friend: A Novel by Adeline Sergeant - That’s rather unlucky, too, for such an immaculate chap.
— from Hard Times by Charles Dickens - But as he awkwardly stretched his hand toward her fragile, immaculate fingers, she said brightly, “Do give me a cigarette.
— from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis - Anthony Trollope is a most perfect example of the exact correctness that sterilizes in its own immaculate chastity.
— from The Delicious Vice by Young Ewing Allison