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Literary notes about Taciturnity (AI summary)

Literature frequently deploys the concept of taciturnity to reveal not only a character’s silence but also an inner reserve or emotional restraint. In some works, a character’s habitual reticence underscores an enduring personality trait that contrasts with moments of unexpected expressiveness—for instance, an individual noted for his “accustomed taciturnity” is portrayed as almost emblematic of his inherent reserve [1], while another character’s deliberate silence, paired with nonverbal gestures, indicates a retreat into introspection [2]. Authors also contrast past reserved behavior with later bursts of emotion, as seen when a transformation from reticence to excitement is noted, suggesting that taciturnity can be as dynamic as it is revealing [3]. Likewise, subtle reflections on taciturnity in interpersonal exchanges hint at complex internal struggles and shifts in mood [4, 5].
  1. ‘Well,’ replied Newman, with his accustomed taciturnity; ‘both well.’
    — from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
  2. I left him the last word, and sought refuge in a shrug of the shoulders and taciturnity.
    — from The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham
  3. In contrast to his former reticent taciturnity Prince Andrew now seemed excited.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  4. He recalled his mother's growing taciturnity, and wondered if Zeena were also turning “queer.”
    — from Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
  5. And the German, roused from his taciturnity, turned to Vronsky.
    — from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy

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