Literary notes about imposter (AI summary)
In literature, the term "imposter" is frequently employed to indict characters who feign authenticity or authority, marking them as deceitful and unworthy of trust. It is used both as a direct accusation—from vehement outbursts such as "I know thee for a base imposter!" [1] to more casual, self-referential admissions like feeling like an imposter in one’s own life [2]—and as a means to underscore themes of identity crisis and betrayal. The word serves as a potent symbol of subterfuge in narratives, whether conveying moral condemnation of false pretenses in political or social contexts ([3], [4]) or highlighting internal turmoil when a character doubts the legitimacy of their own achievements ([5]). The versatile application of "imposter" thus enriches the dramatic tension and moral complexity of literary works.