Literary notes about observance (AI summary)
The word "observance" in literature frequently conveys the act of adhering to formal rules, customs, or religious rites. Authors use it to denote both the internal discipline of following traditions and the external manifestation of societal or ceremonial practices. In some works, it highlights the strict and ritualistic performance of laws or sacred commandments, as when a character carefully upholds legal and divine edicts [1], [2]. In other contexts, the term underlines the subtle interplay between personal commitment and public display, reflecting a measured and respectful execution of vows or etiquette [3], [4]. At times, however, its use carries an ironic tone, suggesting that certain practices are more esteemed in theory than in actual practice [5], [6]. Overall, "observance" emerges as a multifaceted term that bridges the realms of duty, ritual, and occasionally, satirical commentary within literary texts.
- Let us therefore first ask, Of what kind of laws is the observance generally thought to be a realisation of Justice?
— from The Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick - Accordingly, he loved to live continually at Jerusalem, and was exactly careful in the observance of the laws of his country.
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - Flora obeyed Elvira's injunctions with the most scrupulous observance.
— from The Monk: A Romance by M. G. Lewis - With due observance of thy godlike seat, Great Agamemnon, Nestor shall apply Thy latest words.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - In aristocracies the observance of forms was superstitious; amongst us they ought to be kept with a deliberate and enlightened deference.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 2 by Alexis de Tocqueville - And says John Wyse: —’Tis a custom more honoured in the breach than in the observance.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce
