Literary notes about SMILE (AI summary)
The term "smile" in literary texts functions as a versatile symbol, conveying a wide spectrum of emotions and nuances. It may express warmth and genuine compassion—as when a character’s gentle smile embodies infinite empathy ([1])—or hint at irony and subtle derision, such as a sarcastic or enigmatic grin that reveals more than words can say ([2], [3]). At times, the smile transforms into a vehicle for complex inner states, marking moments of bittersweet farewell or mysterious allure ([4], [5]). Even when employed sparingly, it can encapsulate the unspoken tension or joy underlying a scene, making the simple arc of the lips a powerful narrative device that enriches character and atmosphere alike ([6]).
- He moves silently in their midst with a gentle smile of infinite compassion.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - His smile was unlike the half-smile of other people.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - “Your lordship is extremely kind,” said Mr Hatton bowing with a slight sarcastic smile, “but I am an hermit.”
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli - Thy farewel smile, with fond regret, I view, Thy beaming lights, soft gliding
— from The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Ward Radcliffe - A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - The gypsy made her little pout, from impatience, and pressed the spout to the tusked month of Quasimodo, with a smile.
— from Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo
