Literary notes about enquire (AI summary)
In literature, the term "enquire" is often employed as a versatile verb that conveys not only a simple act of questioning but also a broader investigation into personal, social, or philosophical matters. In dramatic dialogue, it appears as a prompt for immediate identification or explanation—for instance, a sudden call to know "Who is in here?" [1] or a polite suggestion to "enquire her out" amid courtship [2]. In narrative and reflective passages, it becomes a tool for examining broader issues, as seen in discussions about the relationship between magic and religion [3] or in philosophical debates concerning the nature of virtue [4, 5]. The word also frequently surfaces in instances of polite social inquiry, whether one is checking on the health of a friend [6, 7] or seeking details about a particular matter [8, 9]. Thus, "enquire" serves as an elegant and multifaceted term that enriches literary texts by adding a nuanced sense of investigation and interpersonal engagement.
- Mrs. Chou was bent upon making some further remark, when madame Wang was suddenly heard to enquire, "Who is in here?"
— from Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book I by Xueqin Cao - Pray you, sir, a word; and, as I told you, my young lady bid me enquire you out.
— from The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - If magic is thus next of kin to science, we have still to enquire how it stands related to religion.
— from The Golden Bough: A Study of Magic and Religion by James George Frazer - And now let us enquire, what is the faculty in man which answers to imitation.
— from The Republic by Plato - In that confiding, I will gladly enquire with you into the nature of virtue.
— from Meno by Plato - When He parted from her at the door of her Father's Palace, the Duke entreated permission to enquire occasionally after her health.
— from The Monk: A Romance by M. G. Lewis - That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to enquire after her family!
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - She then proceeded to enquire into the measures which her father had intended to pursue, while in town, for the recovery of his daughter.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - When you arrive at the hotel, enquire at once for the proprietor.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
