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Literary notes about Inquire (AI summary)

In literature, "inquire" functions as a versatile term that can signal a courteous quest for further information or a deliberate investigation into circumstances. In dramatic dialogue, such as in Shakespeare’s work [1] and Dickens’ narratives [2], it is often used as a polite prompt to elicit additional details about personal matters or to express concern for someone’s welfare. In other contexts, like in legal proceedings or scientific discourse [3][4], the word conveys a more formal probe into underlying truths or causes. Religious texts and canonical writings also employ "inquire" to invoke a search for divine guidance or scriptural clarification [5][6]. Overall, its usage weaves an atmosphere of purposeful inquiry that enriches both character interaction and narrative depth [7][8].
  1. Sirrah, inquire further after me; I had talk of you last night.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  2. ‘I came out to inquire whether Annie would like to go to the opera tonight,’ said Mr. Maldon, turning to her.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  3. The naturalist must be dull who is not led to inquire what this bond is.
    — from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin
  4. It remains to inquire how far so odious an engine of government, in its application to us, would even be capable of answering its end.
    — from The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison
  5. And Josaphat said to the king of Israel: Inquire, I beseech thee, at present the word of the Lord.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  6. And Josaphat said: Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire also of him? 18:7.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  7. The Senate heard, therefore, the two sides from Diaeus and Menalchidas, and answered that they would send commissioners to inquire into the case.
    — from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius
  8. That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family!
    — from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

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