Literary notes about perfidious (AI summary)
The word "perfidious" in literature has long been employed to evoke an intense sense of betrayal and treachery, coloring characters and events with a deep moral reprehension. In historical narratives and political discourses, for instance, it describes cruel and betraying figures—from tyrants and deceitful enemies in epic chronicles ([1], [2], [3]) to character assassins in political ruminations ([4], [5]). Authors also use it vividly in personal confrontations and dramatic exclamations, whether addressing a disloyal friend ([6], [7]), a seductive traitor ([8], [9]), or even as a playful metaphor for natural elements like the deceptive quiet of a river ([10]). Its adaptability is further evidenced in classical texts and modern satires alike, underpinning themes of loyalty and betrayal across genres from epic poetry to picaresque adventures ([11], [12], [13]).
- But tyranny, cruel and perfidious as his, brings its own punishment.
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - King Richard was absent a prisoner, and in the power of the perfidious and cruel Duke of Austria.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - Surprised by a perfidious enemy before your 288 columns were united, you had to retreat to the Adige.
— from Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812 by Emperor of the French Napoleon I - Governor Yates is 'perfidious and weak.'
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - The word “Machiavellism” has, however, been adopted to denote all that is deformed, insincere, and perfidious in politics.
— from Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients by Francis Bacon - Perfidious to you?
— from The Way of the World by William Congreve - Not that I respect myself; though he has been a perfidious wretch to me.
— from The Way of the World by William Congreve - Who shall throw the first stone at a husband, who, in the heat of just resentment, sacrifices his faithless wife and her perfidious seducer?
— from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - But thy punishment will be the first and the greatest; and well deservest thou to smart, O perfidious traitor!
— from Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson - It is often remorseless and cruel, it is true; but it shrieks, it roars, it is honest, the great sea; while the river is silent and perfidious.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - And leave unpunish'd this perfidious race? Shall Troy, shall Priam, and the adulterous spouse, In peace enjoy the fruits of broken vows?
— from The Iliad by Homer - " Him thus upbraiding, with a wrathful look The lord of thunders view'd, and stern bespoke: "To me, perfidious!
— from The Iliad by Homer - Around the brave Tiger Lily were a dozen of her stoutest warriors, and they suddenly saw the perfidious pirates bearing down upon them.
— from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie