Literary notes about dotty (AI summary)
In literature, the term "dotty" can serve dual functions. On one hand, it is embraced as a familiar nickname for characters whose charm lies in their quirky, unpredictable, and sometimes eccentric behavior, as seen when a character named Dotty expresses varied moods—from pleasure at a scheme’s success [1] to sincere regret [2] or deep respect in her tone [3]. On the other hand, the term “dotty” is also applied idiomatically to indicate odd or irrational behavior, as in a character declaring he is “going dotty” when overwhelmed [4, 5, 6, 7]. This playful ambiguity allows writers to either endear a character through lighthearted eccentricity or imply a lapse into madness, enriching the texture and tone of their narratives.
- "That can't do any harm," said Dotty, pleased with the success of her scheme, and Dolly agreed that Gladys was safe enough as long as she sat still.
— from Two Little Women by Carolyn Wells - Dotty was sorry, next minute, that she had spoken so unkindly.
— from Dotty Dimple at School by Sophie May - "O, have you?" said Dotty, in a tone of the deepest respect.
— from Dotty Dimple Out West by Sophie May - He is furious with himself for having heard the scream, and tells himself he must be "going dotty."
— from Ghosts I Have Seen, and Other Psychic Experiences by Violet Tweedale - "She sees somethin', or she's gone dotty.
— from To the Last Man by Zane Grey - I don't know how you fellows feel; but I'm just going dotty.
— from Back to Methuselah: A Metabiological Pentateuch by Bernard Shaw - "Gaw-blimy! ... is the old fool gone dotty?
— from Australia Felix by Henry Handel Richardson
