Literary notes about Reprimand (AI summary)
The term “reprimand” is deployed in literature as a nuanced expression of censure and disapproval that ranges from the mild rebuke of everyday misbehavior to the formal chastisement by higher authority. In many narratives, it functions as a tool for social or moral correction—from a parent's gentle admonition to a formal governmental or institutional rebuke, as seen when a child is sent off with a reprimand [1] or when official mandates are cited in matters of state [2, 3]. The word can denote both a private scolding and a public act of disapproval, striking a delicate balance between punishment and correction; this dualism is evident in its use within masonic practices [4, 5, 6, 7] as well as in more personal contexts like familial interactions [8, 9]. Its versatility is further underscored when it is employed to convey both physical and emotional impacts on characters, whether prompting introspection or eliciting a bold resistance, as in literary works spanning from the subtle irony of Jane Austen to the dramatic severity in Tolstoy [10, 11].
- Gerald rose at once to send off the child with a reprimand, and remained standing after he had gone.
— from Only an Incident by Grace Denio Litchfield - But above all things, for this is a continual business, the Legislative has to reprimand the King's Ministers.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - He was tried by a court-martial but escaped with only a reprimand from the Commander-in-Chief.
— from In the Days of Poor Richard by Irving Bacheller - A reprimand, whether private or public, does not affect the masonic standing of the offender.
— from The Principles of Masonic Law by Albert Gallatin Mackey - A reprimand is the next mildest form of masonic punishment.
— from The Principles of Masonic Law by Albert Gallatin Mackey - A reprimand may be either private or public.
— from The Principles of Masonic Law by Albert Gallatin Mackey - If given in public, the lodge is the proper place, and the reprimand should be given by the Master from his appropriate station.
— from The Principles of Masonic Law by Albert Gallatin Mackey - His son, with tears, besought him to change his resolution; but, receiving a stern reprimand, desisted from his persuasions.
— from Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by Oliver Goldsmith - Her father had sent her to her room with a stern reprimand, and she giggled joyously as she remembered it.
— from The Chase of the Golden Plate by Jacques Futrelle - “Yes, indeed, Edmund,” added her ladyship, who had been thoroughly awakened by Mrs. Norris's sharp reprimand to Fanny; “I was out above an hour.
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - “You mustn’t shout like that.” Varenka, hearing Kitty’s voice and her mother’s reprimand, went with light, rapid steps up to Kitty.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy
