Literary notes about demure (AI summary)
The word "demure" in literature often conveys a sense of modesty, reserve, and understated charm. It is used to describe characters who exhibit a quiet elegance—a restrained smile or a subtle glance that hints at an inner complexity, as seen when a character’s demeanor is both unassuming and full of hidden depths [1][2]. Some authors employ the term to evoke delicate imagery, comparing a person's gentle presence to that of a lovely flower or a softly rendered portrait, thus emphasizing an air of refined beauty [3][4]. At times, "demure" serves to subtly contrast a character’s outward calm with an inner life that may be more dynamic or even paradoxical, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning.
- Each and all were answered by a smile, a bow, and a demure "Yes" or "No" with the chill on.
— from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - He saw a short word prepared for Emma, and given to her with a look sly and demure.
— from Emma by Jane Austen - She was as demure as a lovely flower reflected in the water.
— from Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book I by Xueqin Cao - The central and largest is the demure portrait of the god, clothed in blue and holding a sceptre in his left hand.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner
