Literary notes about apropos (AI summary)
The term apropos is often employed in literature both to introduce a comment that is directly related to what preceded it and to signal a sudden, sometimes tangential, remark. At times, authors use it in the phrase "apropos of nothing" to indicate an abrupt shift in the conversation, as seen in several texts ([1], [2], [3], [4]), while in other contexts it neatly ties a thought or detail back to a previous discussion ([5], [6], [7]). Its flexibility allows for smooth transitions or ironic asides, with writers like Dostoyevsky ([8], [9], [10]) and Dumas ([11], [12], [13], [14]) masterfully weaving it into their narrative to engage the reader or introduce an unexpected subject.
- Then, apropos of nothing: “Con, we’ve been married four years and over!” “Only that, Lyn?
— from The Man Thou Gavest by Harriet T. (Harriet Theresa) Comstock - "Luna and I came over the hill just now with Ralph Coltsworth," remarked Captain Bob cheerfully, apropos of nothing.
— from Hagar by Mary Johnston - I was in cold earnest, for the General's remorse over an injustice to preachers was clean beyond me and apropos of nothing.
— from Peggy O'Neal by Alfred Henry Lewis - “Oh, dear,” she said, apropos of nothing at all, “now I suppose we’ll have to die and never solve our mystery after all.”
— from Billie Bradley on Lighthouse Island; Or, The Mystery of the Wreck by Janet D. Wheeler - 'Alfred, my dear, Mr Fledgeby very justly says, apropos of the last scene,
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - “Yes,” returned Mr. Hyde, “It is as well we have met; and apropos, you should have my address.”
— from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson - It is quite the contrary, an observation apropos of the style occurred to me that is by no means irrelevant as things stand.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - You spoke of formality just now, apropos of the inquiry, you know.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - And apropos of the miracle let me tell you that I think you have been asleep for the last two or three days.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Apropos of his dignity, I may mention that I hardly recognised my old friend during those days.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But, apropos, you belong to the Fronde, do you not?” “Madame, I serve the king.”
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “But apropos of Debray, how is it that I have not seen him lately at the baron’s house?”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - “Apropos,” said D’Artagnan, loud enough for the servant to hear him, “are you satisfied with Olivain?”
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - Albert smiled. “Apropos,” continued he, “Franz is coming soon, but it will not interest you; you dislike him, I think?”
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
