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Literary notes about facetiously (AI summary)

In literature, authors employ the term facetiously to infuse dialogue and narrative with a playful, often ironic tone, lending an air of light sarcasm to characters’ remarks. For instance, in one well-known work a character pokes another with a humorous yet teasing comment, signaling that the remark should not be taken entirely at face value ([1]). Meanwhile, in a modern narrative the same word is used to underscore a casual yet subtly subversive banter about social conventions ([2]). This deliberate choice of tone allows writers to layer their texts with wit and to invite readers to appreciate an underlying critique or comic relief, thereby enriching character interactions and narrative dynamics.
  1. “What you doin here?” said Sambo, coming up to Tom, and poking him facetiously in the side.
    — from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
  2. “Fourth of July,” Amory suggested facetiously.
    — from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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