Literary notes about Perpetually (AI summary)
The adverb “perpetually” is frequently used to evoke an unceasing quality or timeless recurrence in literature. It can emphasize the relentless nature of natural phenomena or political states—as Tocqueville notes the ever-augmenting chances of calamity ([1]) and Darwin points out the recurring differences in species ([2])—while also serving to highlight the continuous emotional or psychological state of characters, such as a never-ending state of agitation or longing ([3], [4]). Additionally, it colors descriptions of both physical settings—like frozen landscapes that stretch indefinitely ([5]) or ceaseless architectural motions in classical narratives ([6])—and the persistent rhythms of human behavior, be it in the habitual flattery that sustains popularity ([7]) or the ongoing, repetitive banter in social interactions ([8]). In this way, “perpetually” enriches literary expression by underscoring the persistent, sometimes inevitable, quality of natural, social, and personal processes.
- If it does not throw the nation into anarchy, it perpetually augments the chances of that calamity.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville - Seeing that individual differences of the same kind perpetually recur, this can hardly be considered as an unwarrantable assumption.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - I slept some hours, but perpetually disturbed with dreams of the place I had left, and the dangers I had escaped.
— from Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Jonathan Swift - I need not tell you how much I miss him, how perpetually he is in my thoughts.
— from Lady Susan by Jane Austen - Beyond this depth the ground is perpetually frozen for an unknown distance.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The chief banqueting room was circular, and revolved perpetually, night and day, in imitation of the motion of the celestial bodies.
— from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius - It is by perpetually flattering these passions that he maintains his station and his popularity.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville - They had drawn back from many introductions, and still were perpetually having cards left by people of whom they knew nothing.
— from Persuasion by Jane Austen
