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Literary notes about pomposity (AI summary)

The word "pomposity" has been used in literature to capture a sense of exaggerated self-importance or affected grandeur. In Arthur Conan Doyle’s work [1], it is depicted with a humorous tone, as a character's overly formal manner prompts a comical bow. Conversely, Fyodor Dostoyevsky [2] employs the term to underscore irritation with overly ornate language, suggesting that excessive formality can be both pretentious and off-putting. Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein further explore pomposity in the context of public speaking, where it is associated with bombast and over-enthusiasm; one example [3] proposes a satirical critique of such behavior in a speech while another [4] suggests that even esteemed speakers might struggle to eliminate a touch of pomp. Collectively, these instances illustrate a literary consensus that pomposity, while sometimes humorous, is generally viewed as a detriment to clear and sincere communication.
  1. With a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and strode off upon his way.
    — from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
  2. What irritated me more than anything was the extreme [185] pomposity of his language.
    — from Short Stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  3. Write and deliver a five-minute speech ridiculing a speaker who uses bombast, pomposity and over-enthusiasm.
    — from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein
  4. But even Lord Brougham would have found it difficult to dispense with pomposity and imagination ."
    — from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein

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