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Literary notes about Noncommittal (AI summary)

The term "noncommittal" is often used in literature to evoke a sense of ambiguity or reluctance, shaping characters who withhold explicit opinions or emotions. For instance, in Jesse F. Bone’s work, the term characterizes both Blalok’s habitual expression when blurring the truth [1] and a woman’s voice and look of reservation [2]. Similarly, Kate Chopin employs noncommittal behavior through a subtle, knowing gesture by a young girl in "The Awakening" [3]. The concept is further explored in Paramahansa Yogananda’s "Autobiography of a Yogi," where it appears in both spoken hesitations and understated facial expressions [4], [5]. Even in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," the descriptor is used to sum up a character’s distinctly reserved demeanor [6]. This range of examples illustrates how "noncommittal" serves as a literary tool to highlight neutrality and the complexity of communication.
  1. Blalok’s face wore the noncommittal look it always wore when he was taking liberties with the truth.
    — from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone
  2. Her voice was unconvinced, her expression noncommittal.
    — from The Lani People by Jesse F. Bone
  3. The girl held a geranium leaf up to her nose and said nothing, but looked knowing and noncommittal.
    — from The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
  4. Though he smiled at my enthusiasm, his words were noncommittal: "I would like to go; we shall see."
    — from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
  5. I gave him a noncommittal smile and walked to the lane.
    — from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
  6. In short, he was strictly noncommittal.
    — from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

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