Literary notes about Scorch (AI summary)
Writers employ "scorch" in multifaceted ways that evoke both literal and metaphorical heat. In many works the word describes the physical act of burning, from searing a body part as when a character’s leg is singed by a lighted sod [1] to the careful warnings in culinary contexts where food is at risk of being charred [2, 3]. At times, however, "scorch" transcends the physical world to convey emotional intensity or destructive passion—a burning shame that sears the soul or harsh words that leave a lasting, painful mark [4, 5, 6, 7]. This versatility is further enriched by occasional personifications or proper nouns, lending a unique identity to characters named Scorch [8, 9, 10]. Such examples illustrate how the term operates as a potent symbol of both natural and inner fire throughout literature.
- Lift a lighted sod, will you, and scorch his leg.
— from The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts by J. M. Synge - Keep in a cool place, closely covered, and if careful not to scorch the fat.
— from Mary at the Farm and Book of Recipes Compiled during Her Visitamong the "Pennsylvania Germans" by Edith May Bertels Thomas - Cover closely, and cook two hours, or less if the steak is tender, stirring now and then to prevent scorch ing. Take off the strings before serving.
— from The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and CookingAdapted to Domestic Use or Study in Classes by Helen Campbell - Therefore, shouldst thou always utter words that soothe, and not those that scorch.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - “I'm violent and resentful, Alyosha, I'll tear off my finery, I'll destroy my beauty, I'll scorch my face, slash it with a knife, and turn beggar.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - That new sensation, that cleansing fire of shame, swept over her again with its intolerable scorch.
— from The Awakening of Helena Richie by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland - I see everything clearly now; I hope the truth will scorch your soul when you think of what you have done—you liar, you devil."
— from No. 13 Toroni: A Mystery by Julius Regis - Scorch had promised to watch “Old Gordon” and write to her.
— from A Little Miss Nobody; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall by Amy Bell Marlowe - “How could you expect us to whistle, Scorch?” demanded Nancy, while Jennie bubbled over with laughter.
— from A Little Miss Nobody; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall by Amy Bell Marlowe - “That fellow is the man in gray of whom Scorch told us so long ago.
— from A Little Miss Nobody; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall by Amy Bell Marlowe
