Literary notes about phlegmatic (AI summary)
In literature, "phlegmatic" is often employed to depict characters with a naturally calm and unemotional demeanor, emphasizing a composed, even if sometimes indifferent, nature. Writers use the term both descriptively and ironically—for instance, a phlegmatic sentry is portrayed as unflappable amidst conflict [1], while a phlegmatic contractor or postilion underscores quiet competence or, at times, a lack of urgency in stressful circumstances [2, 3]. The word also functions as a point of contrast, setting apart characters who respond with impassioned energy from those who remain cool and measured, as when a passionate figure clashes with one of phlegmatic temperament [4, 5]. At times, the label carries a pejorative tinge, hinting at laziness or emotional inertia [6], yet it may equally celebrate unruffled stoicism. Thus, "phlegmatic" enriches literary characterizations by supplying both a clinical assessment of temperament and an ironic commentary on human responsiveness [7, 8].
- The phlegmatic sentry looked at me cunningly.
— from Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons: Wesel, Sennelager, Klingelputz, Ruhleben by Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot - From Stain we were driven by a most tiresome phlegmatic postilion—N. B., in driving I mean; we thought we never were to arrive at the next stage.
— from The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Volume 01 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The phlegmatic contractor answered with grave calmness.
— from The Blood of the Arena by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez - ‘Not I, indeed!’ was the phlegmatic reply; and my appearance prevented further discussion.
— from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë - Contrast the stoical Red Indian with the vivacious Negro; or the phlegmatic Dutchman with the passionate Italian.
— from Anthropology by R. R. (Robert Ranulph) Marett - I am too indolent, too submissive, too phlegmatic, to have any.
— from The Sea-Gull by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Hitherto, the young man had displayed phlegmatic composure, and an openness of manner that had impressed all who saw him in his favour.
— from Freaks of Fanaticism, and Other Strange Events by S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould - I beseech you, be not so phlegmatic; hear the truth of it.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
