Literary notes about Obtrude (AI summary)
The word "obtrude" in literature often conveys the idea of imposing something unwelcome or uncalled for. In Hobbes’ usage, for example, it implies that counsel can be unsuitably forced upon those not destined for it [1]. Wollstonecraft extends this sense to highlight the intrusive nature of societal and biological impulses, particularly toward delicate women [2], while Conan Doyle and Anne Brontë depict its application in personal relationships where love or consolation is imposed at an inopportune time [3] [4]. Charlotte Brontë and Carlyle further explore how moral scruples or inconvenient truths may clumsily interrupt one’s personal interests or be perpetually displayed despite rejection [5] [6]. Finally, Homer and Emily Post emphasize that the imposition should be tempered in matters of personal pain and privacy, underscoring a respect for boundaries [7] [8].
- By which we may see, that they who are not called to Counsell, can have no good Counsell in such cases to obtrude.
— from Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes - How can DELICATE women obtrude on notice that part of the animal economy, which is so very disgusting?
— from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft - It was to take her at a disadvantage to obtrude love upon her at such a time.
— from The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle - I felt that to obtrude my consolations on her then would only serve to aggravate her sufferings.
— from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë - Still, Madame knew what honesty was, and liked it—that is, when it did not obtrude its clumsy scruples in the way of her will and interest.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë - So long it will obtrude itself on the eye of us who reject it, till we in our practice too have appropriated whatsoever of truth was in it.
— from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle - nor obtrude your anguish on my eyes.
— from The Iliad by Homer - He should remember not to obtrude on the privacy of the members he does not know.
— from Etiquette by Emily Post
