Literary notes about deviation (AI summary)
The term "deviation" in literature is employed in a variety of ways to indicate departures from norms, whether these norms are linguistic definitions, navigational courses, or moral standards. It is used to flag shifts from established or expected usages, such as when a term’s meaning diverges from its ordinary sense ([1]), and to denote even slight departures that might lead to significant changes in meaning or consequence ([2]). Moreover, "deviation" can refer literally to physical divergences—like a vessel straying from its set course ([3])—or metaphorically, to describe departures from accepted rules of truth, simplicity, or propriety. This multifaceted use underscores a broader literary technique whereby deviation signals both error and innovation within established structures.
- I do not in the least object to this use of the term Freedom, on account of its deviation from ordinary usage.
— from The Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick - At least, it is obvious that, like any doctrine, a slight excess or deviation to one side or the other will precipitate a heresy.
— from Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal - Nature, according to her way, had made no deviation in the path he had marked out for himself.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet
