Literary notes about constrained (AI summary)
The term "constrained" appears in literature with a multifaceted significance that spans physical imposition, emotional suppression, and social or moral obligation. It is employed to depict characters who are bound by external rules or internal pressures, such as a lama abiding strictly by his Rule [1] or a character who, despite personal reluctance, feels obligated to act or speak in a certain way [2][3]. At times, it describes a reserved physical demeanor—a smile or gesture that hints at deeper feelings of restraint [4][5]—while in other contexts it represents a forceful push, whether by circumstance or necessity, as when societal conditions mandate compliance or when characters are compelled to accept harsh realities [6][7][8]. This versatile usage of "constrained" enriches the narrative by exposing the tensions between individual desires and the limits imposed by society, emotion, or fate [9][10].
- For the lama, constrained by his Rule, took not the faintest notice of her.
— from Kim by Rudyard Kipling - Mordaunt hesitated; but it seemed as though he was constrained to tell the truth.
— from Twenty years after by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - I felt constrained to give her some parental advice concerning mashing, which she took with a bright smile.
— from The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers - Alexandr Ivanitch gave a constrained smile and rubbed his forehead with his hand.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - "Let's have some breakfast, Katy," I say with a constrained smile.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - nothing so stimulated the moral attributes as retorting bullion and washing blankets—still, I felt constrained to ask an increase of salary.
— from Roughing It by Mark Twain - This pleased her, yet his presence made her feel constrained and oppressed.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - If thy brother constrained by poverty, sell himself to thee: thou shalt not oppress him with the service of bondservants.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Now, reft of reason's light, he lies, And bonds his neck oppress; While by the heavy load constrained, His eyes to this dull earth are chained.
— from The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius - If you wish, I'll see Madame Olenska," he said in a constrained voice.
— from The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton