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.
- 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 - 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 - 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 - ‘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 - 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 - He has a good warm heart under his bluff abrupt ways.'
— from North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - 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 - 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 - The last thing I heard was his voice saying: ‘That’s not bluff!
— from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie