Literary notes about convulse (AI summary)
The word "convulse" in literature often functions to evoke a sudden, forceful disturbance—whether in the physical body or in abstract systems. Authors use it to describe uncontrollable physical reactions, such as a character's body jerking upright or laughter shaking a face ([1], [2], [3], [4]), while it also vividly illustrates the shockwaves of emotional or political upheaval, shaking families, communities, or even entire nations ([5], [6], [7], [8]). This dual usage not only brings intensity and immediacy to physical sensations but also reinforces the dramatic transformation or disruption of established orders in society.
- I jerk off the bedclothes, convulse into an upright posture, and glare into the darkness.
— from The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 10, No. 57, July, 1862
A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics by Various - But a dreadful shudder seemed to convulse her entire frame.
— from The Mysteries of London, v. 3/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds - She threw back her head, and he saw uncontrollable laughter convulse her beautiful throat.
— from The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance by Lucas Malet - Then one of those dreadful fits of laughter that convulse you made me writhe in my chair.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - [Pg 253] overwhelming to her father and mother than Beverley’s death, and would convulse the little world in which they lived.
— from Throckmorton: A Novel by Molly Elliot Seawell - " The conclusion which he drew was, that so violent a shock would convulse the throne of Alexander, and force that prince to sue for peace.
— from History of the Expedition to RussiaUndertaken by the Emperor Napoleon in the Year 1812 by Ségur, Philippe-Paul, comte de - Two great movements convulse the world to-day, the woman's movement and the labor movement.
— from The Man-Made World; Or, Our Androcentric Culture by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - Public meetings, banquets, speeches, pamphlets, newspapers, all contributed not so much to agitate as to convulse the country.
— from The Winning of Popular GovernmentA Chronicle of the Union of 1841 by Archibald MacMechan