Literary notes about goading (AI summary)
In literature, “goading” is often employed to convey a deliberate act of incitement—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—that rouses a character into action or reaction. Authors use the term to depict both tangible prodding, as seen when a bull is urged onward by a physical spur [1], and abstract provocation that stokes inner turmoil or defiant resolve, as when a character is pushed from inertia into desperate resolve [2] or anger [3]. It functions as a catalyst, intensifying conflict by highlighting the relentless pressure exerted, whether through teasing banter that provokes an adverse response [4] or the subtle pushing of one’s inner impulses towards rebellion or transformation [5][6].
- The plough were drawing, and the furrow'd glebe Was black behind them, while with goading wand
— from The Iliad by Homer - She was goading him, in his darkness whither he had withdrawn himself like a sick dog, to die or recover as his strength should prove.
— from The Trespasser by D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence - "I am going away after to-night," he said hoarsely; for the sight of her beauty was goading him almost to despair.
— from Adrien Leroy by Charles Garvice - “You will have the English magistrates after you, Leentje,” was all he said, purposely goading her.
— from The Shadow of the Past by F. E. Mills (Florence Ethel Mills) Young - And a sudden wild wave of rebellion went through her, goading her into action at last.
— from The Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell - The very fact that she shrank from him, only seemed to madden him, and it was as though he tried to soothe his own goaded feelings by goading hers.
— from Paddy-The-Next-Best-Thing by Gertrude Page
