Literary notes about enmity (AI summary)
The term "enmity" is employed in literature to evoke profound, often irreversible hostility, whether between individuals, groups, or even abstract forces. It appears not only as a marker of personal vendettas or familial strife—as in tragic encounters and feuds depicted through dramatic dialogue ([1], [2])—but also as a symbol of broader social or political opposition, capturing conflicts rooted in history or ideology ([3], [4], [5]). In some works, it even contrasts with friendship and love, highlighting the inherent duality in human relationships and the perpetual tension that drives narratives ([6], [7], [8]). Thus, its usage across different genres—from epic poetry and historical accounts to dramatic plays and philosophical treatises—reveals its versatility in expressing the intense, sometimes fated animosities that shape both personal destinies and the course of nations.
- As rich shall Romeo’s by his lady’s lie, Poor sacrifices of our enmity.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Between thee and the woman I will put Enmity, and between thine and her seed; Her seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel.
— from Paradise Lost by John Milton - Add to this the haughty proceeding of Amra Chand now in office; and besides the strife of the Pancholis with each other, their enmity to the Depras.
— from Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, v. 1 of 3 by James Tod - No; for your hostility cannot so much hurt us as your friendship will be an argument to our subjects of our weakness, and your enmity of our power.
— from The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides - The king, who was sincere at that time in his enmity to the French, called the English the saviours of Italy, and of his dominions in particular.
— from The Life of Horatio, Lord Nelson by Robert Southey - My heart riseth against him, said Mr. Enmity.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.
— from Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde - Enmity is anger waiting for an opportunity of revenge.
— from Cicero's Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero