Literary notes about blunt (AI summary)
In literature, "blunt" functions on multiple levels. It is often used to denote a lack of sharpness in both a literal and figurative sense—for instance, when describing the dull edge of a dissection tool ([1], [2], [3]) or the effects of a weapon striking with its blunt side ([4], [5]). At the same time, the term characterizes speech or observation that is direct, candid, and unembellished, sometimes to the point of brashness ([6], [7], [8], [9]). Moreover, "blunt" occasionally serves as a proper name for characters, adding another layer of identification in works by Shakespeare and other classical authors ([10], [11], [12]). This versatility makes "blunt" a richly layered word that shifts seamlessly between describing physical properties and human traits.
- This probably means blunt dissection only, as none of the spathomeles found have edges sharp enough to be actually cutting.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - The typical netting-needle has, however, blunt points, and the planes in which the forks lie are at right angles to each other.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - The typical scalpel handle carries at the end opposite the blade a spatula for blunt dissection.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - And one of the soldiers, his face all at once distorted with fury, struck Vereshchágin on the head with the blunt side of his saber.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - Under this pitch He would not flie; I chaff'd him; But as Itch Scratch'd into smart, and as blunt iron ground 90 Into an edge, hurts worse:
— from The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) by John Donne - To Hepzibah's blunt observation, therefore, Phoebe replied as frankly, and more cheerfully.
— from The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne - “And why haven’t you brought him up better?” said Miss Ophelia, with blunt determination.
— from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe - Under that peculiar sort of dry, blunt manner, I know you have the warmest heart.
— from Emma by Jane Austen - Topsy gave the short, blunt laugh that was her common mode of expressing incredulity.
— from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe - In faith, my lord, you are too wilful-blunt; And since your coming hither have done enough To put him quite beside his patience.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Then enter Douglas and Sir Walter Blunt, meeting.]
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
