Literary notes about Impelled (AI summary)
The term “impelled” in literature often conveys an irresistible force or drive, whether that be physical motion, emotional compulsion, or a metaphysical calling. It is used to indicate that a character or object is propelled not merely by willful choice but by circumstances—be it the frantic urgency of nature itself or internal necessities such as duty, love, or fear. For instance, in some narratives, characters are described as being driven by histrionic or inevitable forces [1, 2, 3], while in other contexts, it vividly portrays literal motion, such as a vessel moving under the influence of nature’s elements [4, 5, 6]. Across various works, the word lends a dynamic quality to the force behind actions, suggesting that events unfold as if guided by an undercurrent of necessity beyond mere human control [7, 8].
- I say, there is not a man in them, raging in the thickest of the madness, but is impelled withal, at all moments, towards Order.
— from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle - The youth, regarding him with sidelong glances, felt impelled to change his purpose.
— from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane - “So what was it that impelled you to this sentiment of hatred?
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Then, impelled by its powerful screw, it attacked the ice-field from beneath like a formidable battering-ram.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - Setting sail to the rising wind, the lonely boat was swiftly impelled to leeward, by both oars and canvas.
— from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville - The canoe, impelled by the two oars, advanced without difficulty.
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - Therefore it is, O slayer of Madhu, that impelled by the affection thou bearest me that I will relate to thee my griefs!
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - Informed of the slaughter of his relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate, remembered Maricha for slaying Rama.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1