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Literary notes about Upright (AI summary)

In literature, "upright" serves a dual purpose by depicting both a literal physical stance and a figurative marker of moral integrity. Authors use it to describe objects or figures that are physically straight‑standing—for instance, a character making himself "upright" [1] or a candle set "upright" in its saucer to maintain form [2]—while simultaneously evoking a sense of honor and steadfastness. The word underscores moral virtue as well, as when a person is celebrated for possessing an "upright heart" [3] or is simply portrayed as an "upright man" whose integrity shines through [4]. This interplay of physical alignment and ethical rectitude allows writers to draw powerful parallels between a character’s bearing and their inner character, creating vivid imagery that resonates on both a tangible and symbolic level.
  1. ‘Pretty stiff in the back?’ said he, making himself upright.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  2. Just drop a little candle-grease in the saucer and stick the candle upright in it.”
    — from The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  3. Do good, O Lord, to those that are good, and to the upright of heart.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  4. These were her words and the people not unwillingly accepted Tullius: for he was thought to be an upright man.
    — from Dio's Rome, Volume 1 by Cassius Dio Cocceianus

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