Literary notes about Pondering (AI summary)
In literature, “pondering” is often used to signify a moment of introspection where a character’s inner life is given as much weight as the external action. It can denote a quiet, deliberate musing over a personal or moral dilemma—as when a speaker contemplates the meaning behind received words ([1]) or weighs the consequences of a difficult decision ([2]). At times, authors portray characters lost in thought, isolated with their concerns ([3], [4]), while in other instances the act of pondering is interwoven with feelings of melancholy or hope ([5], [6]). This subtle narrative tool allows writers to deepen character development and evoke an atmosphere of reflective tension within their stories.
- 'Then you are not afraid of him for yourself, dear?' said Bella, after pondering on the words.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - “But how can she ruin Mitya?” he asked, pondering on Ivan's words.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - While the police-officer was still pondering in solitude, I was sent for to see Mr. Franklin in the library.
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - Raskolnikov took his cap and went out of the room, still pondering.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Thinking these things with myself, and pondering them in my heart, that to be allied to wisdom is immortality, 8:18.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - He sat half dozing, swaying from side to side, and pondering on the play.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
