Literary notes about aggravation (AI summary)
The term "aggravation" is employed in literature as a multifaceted device to intensify situations, emotions, and conditions. In some instances, it captures the literal worsening of physical discomfort or symptoms, as seen when the incessant shaking of a creature’s head intensifies an itch ([1]) or when symptoms of an illness suddenly become more severe ([2]). At the same time, the word is used metaphorically to describe the escalation of social injustices, moral failings, or personal grievances; for instance, it accentuates the cruelty in interpersonal relations and social commentary, deepening the narrative of suffering or punishment ([3], [4], [5]). Moreover, authors employ "aggravation" to inject rhetorical force in their descriptions, thereby enhancing the overall impact of their critique or the emotional landscape of their characters ([6], [7]).
- It seems to itch intolerably, and is therefore kept in a continual state of aggravation by the shaking of the dog’s head.
— from The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom
compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern by W. H. (William Hamilton) Maxwell - The patient has been progressing favorably with the scarlet fever, till on a certain day a marked aggravation of symptoms occurs.
— from A System of Practical Medicine. By American Authors. Vol. 1
Pathology and General Diseases - Our Public Life 307 2. Aggravation of Social Extremes 315 Chapter XVII.
— from Woman and Socialism by August Bebel - I beg your pardon, but if anything could be an aggravation, it would be Honor Charlecote’s moralities.’
— from Hopes and Fears
or, scenes from the life of a spinster by Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge - It deepened our horror at the poor lads' plight to think of this further aggravation of their incredible sufferings.
— from Wednesday the Tenth, A Tale of the South Pacific by Grant Allen - Bitter aggravation lay in her tone, bitter aggravation in her gesture.
— from Verner's Pride by Wood, Henry, Mrs. - When I had excused myself several times, he suddenly drew himself up and said, with a wizard look (fancy the aggravation of M. F. G. as a wizard!)
— from The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete by John Forster