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Literary notes about bluff (AI summary)

The word “bluff” serves as a versatile tool in literature, employed both to depict rugged landscapes and to characterize individuals or actions. In several works, it denotes a high, steep promontory or a designative geographical feature—conjuring images of imposing cliffs and elevated riverbanks that lend a dramatic backdrop to the narrative [1][2][3]. In other instances it captures demeanor or appearance, describing figures with a rough, candid, or hearty exterior, as when an old man or a stout character is portrayed with a “bluff” countenance [4][5][6]. Additionally, “bluff” reflects a mode of conduct involving confident posturing or feigned assurance, a tactic used to overcome fear or influence others in critical situations [7][8][9]. This multiplicity of meanings enriches literary expression by bridging tangible landscapes with nuanced character portraits.
  1. At the right, on top of the bluff of the eastern shore, a solitary peasant stood white against the sky.
    — from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story
  2. Trotting in opposite directions along the base of a high bluff, they rounded a corner of rock and found themselves face to face.
    — from White Fang by Jack London
  3. The peasant on the bluff, prostrated toward Mecca with his forehead in the dust, was startled out of his prayer by a roar in the basin below him.
    — from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story
  4. ‘Is that the lad?’ asked an elderly gentleman, but of a stout, bluff figure—who was in the room.
    — from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
  5. In this young sportsman, distinguished by a crisply curling auburn head and a bluff countenance, the Secretary descried the orphan.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  6. He has a good warm heart under his bluff abrupt ways.'
    — from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
  7. My heart was in my mouth; but I felt my only chance was bluff, and walked steadily towards him.
    — from The island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
  8. He enjoyed its risks and ventured, on a trifling hand, to bluff the company and secure a fair stake.
    — from Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser
  9. The last thing I heard was his voice saying: ‘That’s not bluff!
    — from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

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