Literary notes about Shirk (AI summary)
In literature, the term "shirk" is widely used to denote the deliberate avoidance or neglect of a duty or responsibility, often carrying a strong moral or social implication. Authors employ the word to underscore characters’ unwillingness to perform essential tasks—whether in times of crisis, as in moments of war or emergency [1, 2], or in everyday obligations, as when one refuses to shoulder the weight of societal or personal responsibility [3, 4]. Its usage ranges from the satirical dismissal of a king’s authority [5] to the personal reflection on individual commitment and ethical resolve [6, 7]. Whether describing a soldier who refuses a call to arms or a man who hesitates when confronted with hard work [8, 9], "shirk" serves as a powerful expressive tool, highlighting notions of accountability and the consequences of avoidance in various narrative contexts.
- There are some, I am sorry to say, who shirk their duty in this great emergency.
— from New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 2, May, 1915April-September, 1915 by Various - War, as it were, was declared between them, and he vowed to himself, with fire in his eyes, that he would not shirk it!
— from The Historical Novels Of Georg EbersA Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions by Georg Ebers - We have duties to others and duties to ourselves—and we can shirk neither.
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - In Newark, I was gradually to discover that I could not shirk certain obligations connected with parish and city charities.
— from Marion Harland's Autobiography: The Story of a Long Life by Marion Harland - I shirk King George; he has a fat pocket, but he has a long arm.
— from The Plays of W. E. Henley and R. L. Stevenson by William Ernest Henley - I see that the political situation is difficult and exciting, and I don't intend to shirk.
— from Sir George Tressady — Volume I by Ward, Humphry, Mrs. - The great purpose, the noble end to which her active life had shaped itself, was sternly present before her; she would not shirk its demands.
— from The Unclassed by George Gissing - “Do you think you’ll be able to shirk unpleasant things all your life, Phil?”
— from Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery - I was right on him before I could shirk.
— from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
