Literary notes about Intractable (AI summary)
The term "intractable" is employed in literature to convey a sense of stubborn resistance or unyielding nature, whether describing physical substances, personal traits, or abstract elements. It is used literally, as when copper remains hard and obstinate during smelting ([1]), and figuratively to characterize obstinate characters—ranging from a recalcitrant man ([2]) to a learned yet immovable treasure-obsessed individual ([3]). The word further appears in political and social contexts, depicting unmanageable bodies like an unyielding parliament ([4]) or defiant societal groups ([5]), and even extends to natural and metaphorical forces such as wild animals ([6]) and uncooperative historical forces ([7]). In all its varied applications, "intractable" underscores that resistance can be both inherent and formidable.
- When the time had come for the process of smelting, it was observed that the copper remained Page 402 hard and intractable.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner - "You are much intractable—a much intractable man," he responded.
— from The Spiritualists and the Detectives by Allan Pinkerton - He was, too, very learned, and rational enough on all points which did not relate to his treasure; but on that, indeed, he was intractable.”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - This parliament, proving intractable, was dissolved by Cromwell in 1653.
— from A History of Parliamentary Elections and Electioneering in the Old DaysShowing the State of Political Parties and Party Warfare at the Hustings and in the House of Commons from the Stuarts to Queen Victoria by Joseph Grego - The States were more and more intractable.
— from History of the United Netherlands, 1587d by John Lothrop Motley - The tales always related to struggles with some intractable animal—jaguar, manatee, or alligator.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - In the first place I have as a precaution shut up at Rueil, near me, under my own eyes, within reach of my hand, the two most intractable ones.
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
