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Literary notes about illuminating (AI summary)

The term "illuminating" in literature wields a dual significance, operating both on a literal level and as a metaphor for clarity and insight. Authors often use it to depict physical light—whether describing the searchlight that cuts through darkness ([1]), the moonlight bathing a room in pearly radiance ([2],[3]), or even technical references to lighting gas ([4],[5])—imparting a tangible brightness to a scene. At the same time, the adjective serves a figurative purpose by underscoring moments of revelation or deep understanding, as when a character’s smile suddenly lights up his face ([6]) or when a narrative offers an insightful glimpse into human nature ([7],[8]). This versatility allows "illuminating" to enrich both descriptive passages and critical commentary, providing readers with a vivid sense of both physical and metaphorical light.
  1. Now it was the Regensburg calling to say, "I am lying off Outer Jade Lightship and illuminating it with my searchlight."
    — from To Kiel in the 'Hercules' by Lewis R. (Lewis Ransome) Freeman
  2. The moonlight came into the room with illuminating brilliance.
    — from The Adventure Girls at Happiness House by Clair Blank
  3. A broken roof it now was, and through the rift overhead the moonlight poured in a suffusive flood, illuminating all the space beneath.
    — from The Story of Duciehurst: A Tale of the Mississippi by Mary Noailles Murfree
  4. Usually done with mixture of oxygen and hydrogen or acetylene gases, hydrogen and compressed air, or oxygen and illuminating gas.
    — from The Automobile Storage Battery: Its Care And Repair by Otto A. Witte
  5. It is used in considerable quantities as a source of acetylene gas for illuminating purposes.
    — from An Elementary Study of Chemistry by William McPherson
  6. "You promise me to wear these clothes?" said he, a smile suddenly illuminating his face.
    — from Mohammed Ali and His House by L. (Luise) Mühlbach
  7. In this account of the picnic we get an illuminating glimpse of Miss Sullivan's skill in teaching her pupil during play hours.
    — from The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
  8. A glance through even this unsatisfactory biography gives us certain illuminating suggestions in regard to all of Dickens's work.
    — from English Literature by William J. Long

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