Literary notes about objurgate (AI summary)
The term "objurgate" is employed in literature as a vivid expression of severe rebuke or faultfinding, often conveying both external criticism and an internal struggle with one's situation. In some contexts, it underscores the act of being compelled to reproach oneself or another, as seen when a speaker is destined to face rebuke just to earn a modest favor [1] or when a character finds themselves self-directed in criticism [2]. Other passages use it to articulate moral disapproval, even extending the term to national or personal misfortunes—such as condemning fickle fortune [3] or casting moral judgment on noted authors [4]. Additionally, the word is paired with other forms of censure, suggesting a spectrum of negative commentary that ranges from minor scolding to a more robust, almost ritualistic form of admonishment [5], [6].
- Thou wilt be compelled to rebuke and objurgate me, in order to gain the privilege of spending one or two evenings in a month by a solitary fireside.
— from Love Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 1 (of 2) by Nathaniel Hawthorne - Rachel remained alone, to objurgate Rachel.
— from The Price of Love by Arnold Bennett - He remained behind to objurgate fickle fortune and other things.
— from The Chase of the Ruby by Richard Marsh - It is customary to objurgate Thackeray as too moral.
— from A History of the French Novel, Vol. 2To the Close of the 19th Century by George Saintsbury - The latter could only obey—and objurgate.
— from Found in the Philippines: The Story of a Woman's Letters by Charles King - Let gaunt reformers objurgate and scold, I gorge me with delight.
— from A Parody Anthology
