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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]).
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Our Public Life 307 2. Aggravation of Social Extremes 315 Chapter XVII.
    — from Woman and Socialism by August Bebel
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Bitter aggravation lay in her tone, bitter aggravation in her gesture.
    — from Verner's Pride by Wood, Henry, Mrs.
  7. 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

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