Literary notes about impose (AI summary)
In literature, "impose" is often employed to denote the act of forcibly inflicting duties, conditions, or burdens on others, whether in a direct or subtle manner. Authors use it to describe an external force or authority compelling behavior—such as when a master imposes silence upon his disciples [1] or when a ruler imposes his laws on the governed [2]—while also exploring its more introspective use, where individuals set boundaries or requirements for themselves [3]. Philosophical works even stretch its meaning to cover the imposition of order upon chaos or the regulation of internal appetites, suggesting an inherent interplay between external constraints and personal responsibility [4]. This versatile usage underlines both the moral implications and the power dynamics inherent in acts of enforcement, making "impose" a potent verb in literary discourse [5, 6].
- Raising his hand to impose silence, the Professor mo tioned to me to bring the others in.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker - In order to impose his will upon his slaves it was necessary for the master to retain their respect.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park - [130] Such limitation would he then be bound in consistency to impose upon himself.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - The object is, not "to know," but to schematise,—to impose as much regularity and form upon chaos, as our practical needs require.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book III and IV by Nietzsche - Geáta beam gôdne ne tealdon, 2185 .—2) to ascribe, count against, impose : pret.
— from I. Beówulf: an Anglo-Saxon poem. II. The fight at Finnsburh: a fragment. - or under what misrepresentation can you here impose upon others?”
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
