Literary notes about imperturbable (AI summary)
In literature, “imperturbable” is employed as a vivid descriptor of a character’s unruffled, steady demeanor, even amid adversity or tension. Authors use it to convey a sense of emotional and physical restraint, as seen when a character remains calm and composed despite provocation ([1], [2]), or when nature itself is depicted with an unyielding, serene presence ([3]). The term spans a range of contexts—from the unflappable good humor and mature gravity of figures in high-stakes narratives ([4], [5]) to the meticulous portrayal of characters whose outward appearances mask inner poise ([6], [7]). This consistent use across diverse works underlines “imperturbable” as a marker of both strength and quiet resolve in literature.
- She thought it would annoy him; but he only folded his arms under his head, with an imperturbable "That's not bad.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - Hans with his usual imperturbable calm remained at the helm.
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - Larger and ever more imperturbable was the mountain in the star-filtered darkness, and the lake a limitless pavement of black marble.
— from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis - His imperturbable and mature calmness was that of an expert in possession of the facts, and to whom one’s perplexities are mere child’s-play.
— from Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad - “Probably,” said Monte Cristo with his imperturbable tranquillity.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The other houses of the street, conscious of decent lives within them, gazed at one another with brown imperturbable faces.
— from Dubliners by James Joyce - His imperturbable face has been as inexpressive as his rusty clothes.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
