Literary notes about Retrograde (AI summary)
In literature, the term retrograde functions as a versatile metaphor that spans both literal and symbolic realms. It is used to describe literal backward motion—whether the reversing paths of celestial bodies or the strategic maneuvers of armies ([1], [2], [3])—as well as to evoke the notion of declining progress or regression in political, social, and personal contexts ([4], [5], [6], [7]). Authors may employ retrograde to suggest a retreat from enlightenment or a fall into disuse, thereby underscoring themes of decay, nostalgia, or reactionary behavior ([8], [9], [10]). Through its varied applications, retrograde enriches literary discourse by linking the physical act of moving backward with the deeper symbolic experience of losing forward momentum.
- 7 The motion of the meteoric stream is retrograde; that of the comet, direct.
— from Meteoric astronomy: A treatise on shooting-stars, fire-balls, and aerolites by Daniel Kirkwood - But, contrary to my expectations, the Nautilus took a decided retrograde motion.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - But the retrograde motion of the Nautilus was increasing; and, reversing the screw, it carried us at great speed.
— from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne - There had evidently been a retrograde tendency towards absolute monarchy between the reigns of Henry VI. and Henry VIII.
— from Constitutional History of England, Henry VII to George II. Volume 1 of 3 by Henry Hallam - His internal policy was not simply stationary, it was retrograde.
— from The Liberation of Italy, 1815-1870 by Martinengo-Cesaresco, Evelyn Lilian Hazeldine Carrington, contessa - Where such exists, knowledge could not long remain stationary; it must perforce retrograde.
— from Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, v. 1 of 3 by James Tod - No one is wealthy or powerful enough to make civilization take a single retrograde step.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl - She was turning her back on her own glory, and making hasty strides in the retrograde path of oblivion.
— from The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete With Index to Volumes I - IV by Thomas Paine - Instead of being progressive in anything, he will be at best stationary, and, more probably, retrograde in all.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - St. Genis—royalist, émigré, retrograde like herself—had obviously won his way to her heart chiefly by the sympathy of his own convictions.
— from The Bronze Eagle: A Story of the Hundred Days by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness
