Literary notes about Inspiration (AI summary)
In literature, the term “inspiration” takes on a rich diversity of meanings and functions. Often it is portrayed as a sudden divine or inner impulse shaping creativity and action—as when a character is seized by an almost mystical moment of creativity [1] or when a sacred, otherworldly force is said to elevate one's inner understanding [2]. At times, it is depicted with tangible physicality: a trembling of features in a moment of creative rapture [3] or a bodily gesture prompted by that elusive spark [4]. In philosophical reflections, inspiration is seen both as the divine endowment that justifies wisdom and artistic genius [5] and as a fleeting burst that animates the human spirit in pursuit of truth and beauty [6].
- At this dark and hopeless moment an inspiration burst upon him!
— from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete by Mark Twain - It is the "inspiration of the Almighty" that giveth us understanding.
— from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle - Her eyes were aglow with inspiration, and a slight tremor of rapture passed over her lovely features once or twice.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Sandy gave me a look; I knew she had another inspiration.
— from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain - Indeed, as things then stood, Democritus had no right to his simplicity, except that divine right which comes of inspiration.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - His mind was waking slowly to a tremulous morning knowledge, a morning inspiration.
— from A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
