Literary notes about Passive (AI summary)
In literature, the term passive takes on multifaceted roles. It is used in technical discussions about language—defining grammatical constructions such as the passive voice ([1], [2], [3])—while also describing states of mind, character disposition, or even modes of action and reaction. Authors employ it to depict resignation or inertia, suggesting a lack of initiative or a subdued responsiveness in individuals and groups ([4], [5], [6]). Beyond its descriptive application to personal or behavioral states, passive sometimes characterizes entire processes or natural phenomena, contrasting with active forces to underscore subtle forms of influence or decline ([7], [8]).
- The infinitive in this third idiom may be regarded as a peculiar adverbial modifier of the passive verb.
— from An Advanced English Grammar with Exercises by Frank Edgar Farley and George Lyman Kittredge - The principal parts of deponents are of course passive in form, as, Conj.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - TN: was “If the verb is active, change it to the passive” (changed word order) 3.
— from An Advanced English Grammar with Exercises by Frank Edgar Farley and George Lyman Kittredge - Mrs. Vandemeyer lay perfectly passive with closed eyes.
— from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie - Their submission to the prioress is absolute and passive.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - Or would he pity me, and understand me, and save me from loathing myself?" Gerty stood cold and passive.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - Good is the passive that obeys reason; Evil is the active springing from Energy.
— from The Marriage of Heaven and Hell by William Blake - B. Nihilism as a sign of the collapse and decline of spiritual strength : passive Nihilism.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book I and II by Nietzsche
