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Literary notes about deceitful (AI summary)

Throughout literature, "deceitful" consistently conveys a sense of moral corruption and hidden duplicity. In one instance, irony is employed when a character laments that even humility is not exempt from artifice [1], while in religious texts it is a recurring descriptor for those whose words and judgments betray their true intent [2, 3, 4, 5]. The term is similarly applied to nature and human behavior; for instance, it is used to caution against trusting fair appearances that conceal treachery [6, 7] and to condemn actions executed under a guise of false modesty or cunning manipulation [8, 9]. In narratives spanning from ancient epics to modern dramas, "deceitful" serves as a critique not only of individual failings—such as the betrayal inherent in personal relationships [10, 11]—but also of broader societal and spiritual deceptions that mislead communities and undermine justice [12, 13, 14]. This layered usage enriches the literary portrayal of characters and events, urging readers to look beyond surface impressions and recognize the inherent danger of duplicity [15, 16, 17].
  1. "Nothing is more deceitful," said Darcy, "than the appearance of humility.
    — from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  2. The fool shall no more be called prince: neither shall the deceitful be called great: 32:6.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  3. The thoughts of the just are judgments: and the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  4. O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, and a deceitful tongue.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  5. Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a deceitful balance is not good.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  6. "Appearances are deceitful," said the Woggle-Bug, earnestly.
    — from The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  7. This seemed simple as running water; but simplicity is the most deceitful mistress that ever betrayed man.
    — from The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams
  8. "To say the truth, we have come into a great misfortune; for a great lie is got up against us, and this king is a deceitful, crafty man.
    — from Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturluson
  9. Avoid affectation; it is the sure test of a deceitful, vulgar mind.
    — from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
  10. "I forbade her to keep the gas lighted so late, and see what the deceitful creature has done with her private candle!"
    — from Work: A Story of Experience by Louisa May Alcott
  11. That I, whose only faults are too much kindness, too much generosity, should be chained for life to such a vile, deceitful, cruel monster!'
    — from The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Ward Radcliffe
  12. Some understand it as a detestation of deceitful flatterers.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  13. While he was unconscious, the deceitful princess stole the purse and left him alone in the chamber.
    — from Filipino Popular Tales
  14. A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  15. Thus one who is skillful at keeping the enemy on the move maintains deceitful appearances, according to which the enemy will act.
    — from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi
  16. How shall I trust Aeneas to deceitful breezes, and the placid treachery of sky that hath so often deceived me?'
    — from The Aeneid of Virgil by Virgil
  17. I grant him bloody, Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin That has a name.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

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