Literary notes about choose (AI summary)
The word "choose" in literature often transcends its simple denotation of selecting from alternatives, emerging instead as a rich symbol of autonomy, moral judgment, and existential determination. In many works, it marks a pivotal moment where characters assert free will and face the consequences of their decisions—from the introspective questioning of societal rules in Dostoyevsky’s narrative ([1]) to Plato’s exploration of ethical responsibility ([2]). Shakespeare and Dumas use it to underscore the power dynamics in personal relationships and governance ([3], [4]), while authors like Nietzsche and James invoke it to reflect on the broader responsibilities of choosing one’s values and allegiances ([5], [6]). Even in more practical contexts, as seen in Chekhov’s narrative on selecting beauty among fragility ([7]) or Helen Keller’s choice of academic paths ([8]), “choose” serves as a potent marker of self-determination and moral deliberation throughout the literary canon.
- For who would want to choose by rule?
— from Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Shall I choose a fine, and to be imprisoned until I have paid it?
— from Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato - The one of them contains my picture, Prince; If you choose that, then I am yours withal.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - “What horse dost thou choose for thyself?”
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The ethical energy par excellence has to go farther and choose which interest out of several, equally coercive, shall become supreme.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - Choose the GOOD solitude, the free, wanton, lightsome solitude, which also gives you the right still to remain good in any sense whatsoever!
— from Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - Take out all the flowers carefully, try not to crush them, darling; I will choose among them later....
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - I passed off my English and advanced French before I entered college, and I choose the courses I like best.
— from The Story of My Life by Helen Keller