Literary notes about effort (AI summary)
In literature, the word "effort" serves as a versatile term that spans both the physical and the emotional realms, often illustrating a character’s struggle against internal or external forces. It can denote a tangible physical strain—as when a character must summon the strength to rise or act under duress [1], [2]—or it can embody a more abstract, moral, or psychological perseverance, as demonstrated by efforts to secure justice or sustain love [3], [4]. Authors frequently use "effort" to underline the gap between intent and outcome, highlighting the sometimes painful gap between human endeavor and the reality it seeks to transform [5], [6].
- V. I am willing to do so, but it requires more effort than I feel able to make.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - The poor little Donkey stuck out a long tongue and licked his nose for a long time in an effort to take away the pain.
— from The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi - No one can know the regret this has caused, or the conscientious effort which has been made to render exact justice to Miss Anthony's co-workers.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - We do so much desire to sink all petty considerations in the one united effort to secure woman suffrage.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - I met his kiss and I had to make, while I folded him for a minute in my arms, the most stupendous effort not to cry.
— from The Turn of the Screw by Henry James - His speech had been whispered, broken, and indistinct; but by a great effort he had made it plain enough to be unmistakeable.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
