Literary notes about Repugnance (AI summary)
In literature, “repugnance” is frequently used to convey a complex mixture of emotional and moral aversion that can be both superficial and deeply ingrained. Authors employ the term to describe an instinctive, sometimes socially conditioned reaction—such as Emma’s feigned disdain for a letter in order to maintain appearances [1]—while others use it to capture a more profound, almost visceral inner resistance, as when old animosities are suddenly revived by a familiar voice [2]. It serves not only to illustrate a character’s personal disgust or moral conflict but also to comment on broader human experiences, from a natural repulsion toward elements of nature or unconventional behavior [3, 4] to an intellectual disquiet when confronting unsettling social or ethical realities [5, 6]. Whether expressing a courteous reluctance in a delicate social situation or depicting a raw, instinctive reaction to perceived impropriety, “repugnance” remains a versatile and nuanced term that enriches narrative tone and deepens our understanding of characters’ inner lives [7, 8].