Literary notes about Rebuttal (AI summary)
The term "rebuttal" in literature is used to denote a direct counter or response to an argument or claim, often serving as a pivotal turning point in a narrative. It appears in diverse contexts—from the structured environment of legal proceedings, where evidence in rebuttal is methodically introduced to challenge previous testimony [1, 2, 3], to the rapid-fire exchanges of debate where a sharp, personal rebuttal can decisively shift the tone of the conversation [4, 5, 6]. Authors also use the term in more metaphorical or symbolic ways, such as when a character’s brief, witty rejoinder serves as a subtle yet powerful refutation of prevailing ideas [7, 8]. Overall, the use of "rebuttal" enriches the fabric of conflict and resolution in literary works, highlighting the dynamic interplay of argument and counterargument.
- The government introduced eighty-five witnesses in chief to sustain the various counts in the indictment, and ninety-six in rebuttal.
— from Assassination of Lincoln: a History of the Great Conspiracy Trial of the Conspirators by a Military Commission, and a Review of the Trial of John H. Surratt by T. M. (Thomas Mealey) Harris - At this stage the defense rested, and evidence in rebuttal was introduced.
— from The Rise and Fall of Anarchy in AmericaFrom its Incipient Stage to the First Bomb Thrown in Chicago by George N. McLean - There was no testimony offered in rebuttal and the court took a recess.
— from The House of the Whispering Pines by Anna Katharine Green - In both class room and intercollegiate debating each side usually makes two speeches, a main speech and a rebuttal speech.
— from Practical Argumentation by George K. (George Kynett) Pattee - Time of Speaking .—Each speaker is ordinarily allowed one constructive speech and one rebuttal speech.
— from Elements of Debating A Manual for Use in High Schools and Academies by Leverett S. (Leverett Samuel) Lyon - But on her lips was the maddening half-smile of one whose rebuttal is ready.
— from Emma McChesney and Co. by Edna Ferber - A WITNESS IN REBUTTAL H2 anchor FOREWORD TO YE GENTLE READER.
— from A Texas Ranger by William MacLeod Raine - And what, the article further demanded, had her friends to offer in rebuttal but her social position, her youth and her beauty?
— from The Ordeal of Elizabeth by Anonymous
