Literary notes about OR (AI summary)
The word “or” functions as a versatile disjunctive conjunction in literature, often used to present alternatives, clarify ambiguity, and add rhetorical flair. For example, in technical or scientific discussion, it can denote precise alternatives as in [1], where “or” separates distinct conditions in a factual explanation. In narrative works, “or” is employed to introduce shifts in tone or to enrich characterization, such as in [2] when redefining an enemy as “my natural prey,” or in [3] where it builds dramatic tension. It is also used to signal consequences or augment contrasts, as seen in examples like [4] and [5], indicating alternative outcomes that affect meaning or action. Across genres—from the precise language of academic texts to the inventive expressions of fiction—“or” serves as an essential tool for guiding readers through complex alternatives and layered interpretations.