Literary notes about Quiescent (AI summary)
The term quiescent is frequently used to evoke an image of calmness, inactivity, or a peaceful equilibrium across diverse contexts in literature. Authors often employ it to describe characters embodying a composed or detached demeanor, as seen when a character remains cool and unruffled during a hectic moment [1][2]. In naturalistic and technical descriptions, quiescent conveys a state of dormancy or stillness—a serene sea, a resting volcano, or even chemicals undisturbed by external forces [3][4][5]. Additionally, the word is sometimes used to highlight moments of introspection or the latent potential for change that lies beneath an apparently inert state [6][7].
- But Ayscough remained quiescent and calmly relighted his cigar.
— from The Orange-Yellow Diamond by J. S. (Joseph Smith) Fletcher - Lady Bertram was perfectly quiescent and contented, and had no objections to make.
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - But the overpowering heat inclines me to be perfectly quiescent in the daytime.
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot - No doubt the molecules of the seed would remain in a quiescent state, if they were not disturbed by external influences, chemical and mechanical.
— from The Breath of Life by John Burroughs - During either a planetary, solar or kosmic pralaya , or gestatory period, the kosmic plasm is in a quiescent, undifferentiated condition.
— from The Mystery of Space A Study of the Hyperspace Movement in the Light of the Evolution of New Psychic Faculties and an Inquiry into the Genesis and Essential Nature of Space by Robert T. Browne - But so soon as it is quiescent these feelings vanish.
— from Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley - Michael's body was quiescent; its beauty gave her a proud, but austere and tranquil satisfaction.
— from The Tree of Heaven by May Sinclair
