Literary notes about Trifling (AI summary)
Writers employ the word “trifling” to denote something small or seemingly insignificant, yet often laden with deeper narrative or ironic importance. In some works, such as in a reflective memoir-like tone ([1]), it suggests an almost dismissible detail that nevertheless frames a broader context. At times it underscores trivial pursuits or minor irritations in social behavior, as seen in witty observations that minimize daily disturbances ([2], [3]). Conversely, its use can hint at a latent impact, where an ostensibly insignificant act leads to far-reaching consequences in the plot ([4], [5]). Overall, the term functions as a subtle tool, enabling authors to diminish, yet paradoxically accentuate, the weight of events or character follies.
- I ought not perhaps to omit a trifling circumstance relative to this manuscript.
— from The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Mr. Bennet accepted the challenge, observing that he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - And see what trifling things can do sometimes; it seems nothing at all, but it’s painful.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - It was a trifling and accidental circumstance which first gave rise to this new branch of physical science.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - What he had felt earlier in the day had been a mere trifling qualm.
— from The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
