Literary notes about Pliable (AI summary)
Literary works employ the term “pliable” to evoke a sense of both physical suppleness and the capacity to be influenced. In descriptions of materials—from a soft upper lining [1] to tamale husks softened by steam [2]—the word accentuates an underlying malleability that enables transformation. This physical flexibility mirrors the figurative use of the term, as when character traits or youthful minds are depicted as pliable, suggesting a readiness to adapt or be reshaped [3, 4]. Even allegorical figures bearing the name Pliable in narratives underscore the idea of yielding to circumstance or persuasion, linking the tangible and intangible aspects of flexibility [5, 6, 7].
- The upper has a cool lining and is soft and pliable.
— from Boy Scouts Handbook by Boy Scouts of America - From fresh corn husks select a wide leaf of husk for each tamale, or use dry husks steamed until pliable.
— from The Boston Cooking-School Magazine (Vol. XV, No. 2, Aug.-Sept., 1910) by Various - In childhood the bones are composed largely of animal matter, being pliable and easily moulded.
— from - The minds of young people are pliable and elastic, and easily accommodate themselves to any one they fall in with.
— from Loss and Gain: The Story of a Convert by John Henry Newman - "Well, neighbor Obstinate," said Pliable, "I begin to come to a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read by John Bunyan - Well, neighbour Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him:
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan
