Literary notes about abhorrence (AI summary)
The word “abhorrence” is used in literature to evoke an intense, often moral, repulsion toward actions or conditions that defy accepted virtues. Authors deploy it to express both personal revulsion and societal condemnation, as in the disdain for disguise, treachery, or oppressive institutions [1][2]. It frequently contrasts with positive emotions—spoken of alongside love, respect, or self-admiration—to underline the depth of a character’s detestation, whether aimed at an individual’s cruelty or perceived historical wrongs [3][4][5]. In some narratives, the term captures the paradox of internal self-loathing and the external denunciation of corrupt practices, thereby enriching complex character dynamics and underscoring larger themes of social and political decay [6][7][8]. Through these varied uses, “abhorrence” not only characterizes emotional extremes but also serves as a sharp instrument for critiquing the failings of society and human behavior.