Literary notes about Inquiring (AI summary)
In literature, "inquiring" frequently describes a curious approach to both dialogue and observation, infusing characters with an active desire to learn or uncover hidden truths. Authors use the word to capture subtle shifts in tone and disposition—a character’s "inquiring smile" may suggest both hesitance and a probing awareness, as seen when a Marquis delicately questions himself and his nephew [1]. It also conveys an investigative spirit, whether through literal inquiries about one’s surroundings [2, 3] or the internalized, skeptical mind of someone always questioning what they observe [4, 5]. In works ranging from historical narratives to social critiques, "inquiring" thus conveys a blend of curiosity and scrutiny that often drives the narrative forward [6, 7, 8].
- “ We have done wrong?” repeated the Marquis, with an inquiring smile, and delicately pointing, first to his nephew, then to himself.
— from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - Inquiring at the hotel, I received the necessary directions for finding the Sergeant’s cottage.
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - She finds a sofa well adapted to her views, and upon inquiring the price, is surprised and delighted to hear a sum named at least twenty per cent.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - The lustre of inquiring glance faded swiftly into vacant glassiness.
— from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - 'Perhaps it's not as much as could be wished by an inquiring mind, sir,' Mr Wegg admitted.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my silence by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - With consummate indolence, he turned to Mortimer, inquiring: 'And who may this other person be?'
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - He made Babbitt feel rich and important by his manner of inquiring, “What is your favorite tonic, sir?
— from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
