Literary notes about naivety (AI summary)
In literature, naivety often emerges as a multifaceted trait that can imbue characters with charm, innocence, or even a poignant sense of misunderstanding about the world. It may highlight the endearing simplicity of a character's outlook, as when someone speaks with a charming naivety that softens their intentions [1, 2], or showcase the unfiltered, childlike wonder seen in a reflective, playful observation of nature [3]. At times, this quality is presented as a marker of youth, suggesting that inexperience can both elevate enthusiasm and expose a lack of worldly wisdom [4, 5, 6]. Additionally, naivety is used to underline the subtle humor or dramatic irony in dialogue, as characters articulate their unguarded thoughts with candor and, occasionally, with a touch of vulnerability that resonates deeply with the reader [7, 8, 9, 10].
- And, Mr. Crocker,” she concluded with a charming naivety, “I just made up my mind I would have him.”
— from The Celebrity, Complete by Winston Churchill - And, Mr. Crocker," she concluded with a charming naivety, "I just made up my mind I would have him."
— from The Celebrity, Volume 02 by Winston Churchill - Is it the place where, in childlike naivety, we would watch the fleeting clouds, and wonder why we, too, could not run so swiftly?
— from Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman - Oh, for the naivety of Youth's enthusiasm!
— from Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman - He was nothing more—he was nineteen, but from his naivety one might have taken him for younger.
— from Creatures That Once Were Men by Maksim Gorky - In addition, there was my inborn naivety, which I still have even today to a large degree.
— from My Life and My Efforts by Karl May - "And have you not a home?" said Lucy, with naivety.
— from Paul Clifford — Volume 02 by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron - "Do they put elephants in stables?" asked Nawin with ingenuous naivety as he pondered the meaning of the Laotian's questions.
— from An Apostate: Nawin of Thais by Steven David Justin Sills - It goes without saying that it is no longer possible for me to be ingenuous, but I should like to know what one gains by such naivety.
— from The Sexual QuestionA Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel - “And have you not a home?” said Lucy, with naivety.
— from Paul Clifford — Complete by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron
