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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.
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

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