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Literary notes about Reproach (AI summary)

The term "reproach" in literature is a versatile tool, conveying a spectrum of disapproval and self-criticism through both explicit dialogue and subtle narrative cues. Authors employ it to articulate harsh judgments—from scornful language that condemns immoral behavior ([1], [2]) to the quiet, poignant glances that silently blame ([3], [4]). It also often surfaces in religious or philosophical contexts, embodying divine admonition or societal censure as seen in works addressing commandments and moral responsibilities ([5], [6]). Moreover, "reproach" can express personal regret or internal conflict, as characters self-censure for past misdeeds ([7], [8], [9]), while also serving as an instrument of interpersonal and public denunciation in narratives rich with social and ethical undertones ([10], [11], [12]).
  1. Such is the language of those fiendish tormentors, words of taunting and of reproach, of hatred and of disgust.
    — from A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
  2. This reproach is the significance of Schiller's epigram, entitled “Scruples of Conscience.”
    — from The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 1 of 3) by Arthur Schopenhauer
  3. She threw a melancholy look upon Ambrosio: He replied by one of aversion and reproach.
    — from The Monk: A Romance by M. G. Lewis
  4. She saw a reproach in these words, and in the tone in which they were uttered.
    — from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
  5. Remove from me reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  6. Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us: consider and behold our reproach.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  7. All hard looks were pain to Maggie, but her self-reproach was too strong for resentment.
    — from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
  8. He was only twenty-one, and three months ago—nay, much later—he had thought proudly that no man should ever be able to reproach him justly.
    — from Adam Bede by George Eliot
  9. I bitterly reproach myself, I assure you.”
    — from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
  10. I will carry it into no blood but my own; and the reproach shall rest alone on me.' 'One word more, Rose.
    — from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
  11. As his glance rested again on Bella for a moment, she thought there was reproach in it.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  12. Marius shuddered at that reproach of ingratitude directed against his father, and which he was on the point of so fatally justifying.
    — from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

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