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].
- "Nothing is more deceitful," said Darcy, "than the appearance of humility.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - The fool shall no more be called prince: neither shall the deceitful be called great: 32:6.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - The thoughts of the just are judgments: and the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, and a deceitful tongue.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Diverse weights are an abomination before the Lord: a deceitful balance is not good.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - "Appearances are deceitful," said the Woggle-Bug, earnestly.
— from The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum - 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 - "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 - 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 - "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 - 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 - Some understand it as a detestation of deceitful flatterers.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - While he was unconscious, the deceitful princess stole the purse and left him alone in the chamber.
— from Filipino Popular Tales - A deceitful tongue loveth not truth: and a slippery mouth worketh ruin.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - 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 - 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 - 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