Literary notes about gaze (AI summary)
The term "gaze" in literature is far more than a mere act of looking; it encapsulates a spectrum of emotions and reveals underlying dynamics between characters and their worlds. At times it signifies a powerful, almost mystical connection that unveils hidden truths or deep emotions, as when an inscrutable gaze holds a silent but profound authority ([1]) or when a fixed, searching gaze captures a soul’s deepest yearning ([2]). In other contexts, the gaze denotes both scrutiny and vulnerability—transforming an ordinary glance into a moment laden with significance, whether in the weight of public judgment ([3]) or the tender intimacy of a romantic encounter ([4], [5]). Spanning narratives from ancient epics to modern novels, "gaze" emerges as a multifaceted symbol that enables readers to experience characters’ inner lives and the often transformative impact of being seen.