Literary notes about Virility (AI summary)
In literature, virility is employed to evoke a powerful mix of physical strength, sexual potency, and an enduring, almost elemental dynamism. Writers use it to illustrate a character’s raw, masculine force—whether noting the sudden loss of vigor in a moment of emotional exposure ([1]) or portraying it as the defining trait of youthful brilliance and noble masculinity ([2], [3], [4]). At times, it also functions metaphorically to designate national strength or the creative energy underlying intellectual pursuits, as seen when virility becomes a measure of cultural or social force ([5], [6], [7]). This layered use transforms a simple descriptor of male potency into a broader symbol of vitality, resilience, and the spirited essence of life.
- Under her eyes, I flushed hotly and, if I had any virility left, I lost it then; my whole body seemed to be inert.
— from The Satyricon — Complete by Petronius Arbiter - It was a noble, leonine head, a thing of power and virility, framed with a mane of white hair.
— from Mrs. Fitz by J. C. (John Collis) Snaith - Finn, on the other hand, was the very personification of lusty youth and tireless virility.
— from Finn The Wolfhound by A. J. (Alec John) Dawson - His virility was renewed, he looked out once more upon life with eyes militant and brave heart.
— from The Survivor by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim - It is now for the American people to decide whether this nation has any virility left, or if it is content to sink to the level of China.
— from New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 3, June, 1915April-September, 1915 by Various - The rich virility and majestic seriousness of her men, their aptitudes for war, statesmanship, and drama, are borne out in her national history.
— from Promenades of an Impressionist by James Huneker - Yet Lear boasts of his physical strength; and how skilfully the dramatist has planned the entrance, so as to accentuate the virility of the man!
— from Shakespeare in the Theatre by William Poel