Literary notes about compulsive (AI summary)
The term "compulsive" in literature is often employed to convey actions or behaviors that emerge from an irresistible, sometimes pathological, internal drive. In works exploring psychological landscapes, it describes repetitive, irrational, or even neurotic behaviors that persist despite conscious resistance, as seen in detailed analyses of obsessive commands and ritualistic acts ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At the same time, the word appears in more metaphorical or situational contexts, portraying natural phenomena or social forces as overwhelmingly inevitable—ranging from the resolution of international conflicts to the intensity of personal emotions and romantic appeals ([5], [6], [7], [8]). Moreover, its use in poetic and narrative forms imbues characters or events with an elemental, inexorable energy that both captivates and unnerves, underscoring a dual nature of attraction and compulsion that drives their destiny ([9], [10]).
- Through the analytical study of the symptoms, especially the compulsive actions, the defence reactions and the obsessive commands.
— from Totem and Taboo by Sigmund Freud - We understand that the compulsive act had veiled fear and had been performed only to avoid it.
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud - But both the "whence" and the "why" remained hidden from her as long as she continued to carry out the compulsive act.
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud - I hardly know how I alone could have guessed the meaning of this compulsive act, or have found any suggestion toward its interpretation.
— from A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud - War is very often enumerated among the compulsive means of settling international differences.
— from International Law. A Treatise. Volume 2 (of 2) War and Neutrality. Second Edition by L. (Lassa) Oppenheim - Political and legal differences can be settled either by amicable or by compulsive means.
— from International Law. A Treatise. Volume 2 (of 2) War and Neutrality. Second Edition by L. (Lassa) Oppenheim - I’d go back now, and he must own, At once, my love’s compulsive plea.
— from The Angel in the House by Coventry Patmore - Her life was full to overflowing of such compulsive fears.
— from Outwitting Our Nerves: A Primer of Psychotherapy by Josephine A. (Josephine Agnes) Jackson - Proclaim no shame When the compulsive ardour gives the charge, Since frost itself as actively doth burn, And reason panders will. QUEEN.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - As she ceased, the expression hardened into a settled and compulsive resolution.
— from Paul Clifford — Complete by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron
