Literary notes about Poise (AI summary)
In literature, the word poise serves as a versatile term that conveys both physical balance and an inner state of calm or dignity. It appears to denote the precise equilibrium required in crafted objects or instruments, as well as the graceful composure of individuals in challenging circumstances. In some contexts, poise highlights an inherent allure or the measured balance of a character’s actions and speech—suggesting both physical stillness and emotional control ([1], [2], [3]). In other passages, it represents a refined state of mind that enables characters to regain control after disruption, illustrating the interplay between internal tranquility and external comportment ([4], [5], [6]). Whether describing the delicate balance of an object or the assured stance of a person, poise is used to evoke an image of harmony, grace, and resilience.
- It carries a small fork on which to poise a pellet of semi-solid medicament.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - The poise of the head strikes one at once as indicative of thought and power; the head is noble, well-sized, broad, and large behind the ears.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker - For an instant he lost his poise, and she felt a bit rattled when a satirical voice from a concealed wit cried: “Take her outside, Amory!”
— from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald - At sight of Joan, Prosper had won back instantly his old poise, his old feeling of ascendancy.
— from The Branding Iron by Katharine Newlin Burt - The shock of the events of the last night had upset him temporarily, but his equable poise soon swung back to the normal.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - The next moment, however, he had recovered his poise and was galloping down the corridor in pursuit.
— from Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
