Literary notes about construe (AI summary)
In literature, the term "construe" is employed to denote the act of interpretation, often highlighting the ambiguity or multiplicity of meaning in language and action. It can describe the process of deciphering intent, as when characters ponder whether their words or deeds have been understood correctly ([1], [2]), or the deliberate decoding of texts and signals, whether ancient scriptures or legal documents ([3], [4]). At times, authors use "construe" to reveal personal subjectivity in understanding, where individual perception shapes the reception of gestures, silence, or even silence’s implications ([5], [6]). This usage, by inviting the reader to respect the nuances and potential diversity of meanings, enriches the textual dialogue between the author, the characters, and the audience ([7], [8]).