Literary notes about amend (AI summary)
The word "amend" carries a dual resonance in literature, functioning both as an appeal to personal transformation and as a call for formal revision. In narratives like those of Malory ([1], [2]), characters are confronted with the need to amend their behavior or flaws—a suggestion of moral reformation that often teeters on the edge of futility. Meanwhile, in more procedural contexts, such as discussions of laws or official reports ([3], [4], [5]), "amend" is used to denote the act of correcting or refining established texts or systems. This layered application underscores the term’s versatility, bridging intimate moral evolution with the broader necessity for structural improvement.
- That know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - I pray you forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised I will amend it.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - I would like to amend that motion to refer this matter to the present Committee on Varieties and Judging Standards.
— from Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting - In 1850 Ohio decided by the votes of her male population to "alter and amend her Constitution."
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - We also ask you to take the necessary steps to amend the Constitution so as to extend to woman the right of suffrage.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I
