Literary notes about Transmute (AI summary)
In literature, "transmute" often conveys a deep and transformative change that goes beyond mere modification. Frequently invoking the imagery of alchemy, authors use it to depict the process of turning something base—be it lead into gold, as in the quest for transmuting metals ([1], [2])—or to metaphorically reshape feelings and ideas. Many writers portray this change as a creative or even redemptive act: the dark giving way to vibrant hues ([3]), sorrow morphing into hope ([4]), or passion being refined into calm and understanding ([5]). Ultimately, the term is employed to suggest that while the underlying substance endures, its quality and meaning may be elevated to new, often higher, forms ([6]).
- He says: "To transmute iron into gold two things are necessary.
— from Lectures of Col. R. G. Ingersoll - Latest by Robert Green Ingersoll - The least wonderful of its many properties was its power to transmute all inferior metals into gold.
— from The Magician by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham - The hard marble caught me just above the ear, and I saw the darkness of the space grow brilliantly light, then transmute to vibrant colors.
— from Life Blood by Thomas Hoover - He may accustom himself, by a happy alchemy, to transmute the darkest events into materials for hopes.
— from The Golden Gems of Life; Or, Gathered Jewels for the Home Circle by Emory Adams Allen - I will go—I must go unless you, who can do so much, can teach me to kill this passion or to transmute it into calm, brotherly regard."
— from The Historical Romances of Georg Ebers by Georg Ebers - To transmute is to change the qualities while the substance remains the same; as, to transmute the baser metals into gold.
— from English Synonyms and AntonymsWith Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by James Champlin Fernald
