Literary notes about fit (AI summary)
The term “fit” in literature demonstrates remarkable versatility, serving as both a descriptor of sudden physical or emotional episodes and an adjective of suitability. Authors use it to denote abrupt, involuntary states—a “fainting fit” or a burst of uncontrollable anger can capture an emotionally charged moment, as seen in instances of sudden illness or outbursts ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At the same time, “fit” functions as a measure of appropriateness, describing when a person or thing is well suited for a particular role or context, whether it is about determining if someone is “fit to associate with” or if a dwelling is “fit habitation” ([5], [6]). Its use in expressions such as “if he thought fit” highlights an archaic sense of proper judgment or discretion, where actions are undertaken when deemed opportune by someone in authority ([7], [8], [9], [10]). This dual nature—capturing both transient conditions, from energetic surges to temper outbursts, and enduring qualities of adequacy—renders “fit” a dynamic lexical tool that enriches narrative tone and character evaluation throughout literature ([11], [12], [13], [14]).
- In short, the old gentleman was carried off in a fainting fit, and after bleeding in both arms hardly recovered.
— from The History of John Bull by John Arbuthnot - He jumped up from his chair in a fit of uncontrollable rage.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Save me!” I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.
— from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - In time I were able to keep him, and I kep him till he went off in a purple leptic fit.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - "Ah! then you would not be fit to associate with," returned the Scarecrow.
— from The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum - The labour of hundreds of thousands alone could make this inclement nook fit habitation for one man.
— from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - 'Yes,' said I, and forthwith handed him the famous Report for publication, if he thought fit.
— from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - As it is extremely old, and consequently a good deal out of repair, you may perhaps think fit to comply with her request.
— from The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde - Now, if you think fit, let us return to what we began with.
— from Cicero's Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero - Then, moving again, he makes them swear that, if he should think fit to play the antic, they will give no sign of knowing aught of him.
— from Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley - And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part: You, as your business and desires shall point you,—
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - He was in his working-dress, and looked rugged enough, but manly withal, and a very fit protector for the blooming little creature at his side.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - And, gentle friends, Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully; Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
— from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare - “The care of babies involves education, and is entrusted only to the most fit,” she repeated.
— from Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman