Literary notes about challenge (AI summary)
Over the centuries, the term "challenge" has appeared in literature as a multifaceted rhetorical and narrative device. It often denotes an invitation or provocation to engage in conflict or competition, whether in a martial duel as when characters are goaded into fighting for honor ([1], [2]), or in verbal sparring that tests wit and reasoning ([3], [4]). At times, its usage extends to metaphorical or intellectual trials that provoke reflection or critique, calling upon logic and faith ([5], [6], [7]). In other instances, authors employ the idea of a challenge to frame personal or societal confrontations, be they physical, emotional, or ideological ([8], [9], [10]). This variety in application underscores its enduring appeal as a term that encapsulates contests of strength, honor, intellect, and resolve.
- But I must tell thee plainly, Claudio undergoes my challenge, and either I must shortly hear from him, or I will subscribe him a coward.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Ajax was the first to stride out and challenge him.
— from The Iliad by Homer - I challenge you to show an instance that can confirm your groundless accusation.
— from The Way of the World by William Congreve - I undertake to say that this assertion is totally groundless, and I challenge the author to bring any sort of proof of it.
— from The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) by Edmund Burke - We challenge Christian logic to find a flaw in this argument.
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - Diversity of stimulation means novelty, and novelty means challenge to thought.
— from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey - For this reason I was in need of a word which conveyed the idea of a challenge to everybody.
— from Ecce Homo by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - Dorset, of late, had grown more than usually morose and incalculable, and Ned Silverton went about with an air that seemed to challenge the universe.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - Edmundo was the only one to accept the challenge, for failure to perform the task meant death.
— from Filipino Popular Tales - In the case of very fascinating women, sex is a challenge, not a defence.
— from An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde
