Literary notes about propose (AI summary)
In literature, "propose" takes on a wide range of meanings—from the formulation of abstract ideas and plans to the literal act of making a marriage proposal. Authors use it to introduce suggestions or actions, as seen when a character sets forth his intentions and arguments (see [1], [2], [3]), and it also conveys the moment of personal commitment or decision, like in matrimonial proposals (see [4], [5]). Beyond intentions, the word functions as a tool to initiate debates or motions, whether in political, philosophical, or even whimsical contexts (see [6], [7], [8]). This versatility not only enriches dialogue and narrative structure but also highlights the pivotal role of intentional action and suggestion throughout diverse literary genres (see [9], [10]).
- “Well then, if you like it, I’m more and more unable to see your objection to what I propose.”
— from The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 by Henry James - This we propose to attempt in the following chapter.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - If we propose to ourselves any end whatever, the conditions of its attainment are hypothetically necessary.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - “Ay, propose marriage,” answered Nightingale, “and she will declare off in a moment.
— from History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - After talking a long time with them, he mustered up the courage to propose marriage to one of them.
— from British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Wirt Sikes - Now, the puzzle I propose is to rearrange the counters so as to get as large a product as possible.
— from Amusements in Mathematics by Henry Ernest Dudeney - The Methods I shall propose to them are as follow.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - “Our host, of course, our host!” “Gentlemen, if so,” Virginsky, the chosen chairman, began, “I propose my original motion.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - "That is just what I was about to venture to propose," returned the doctor with a smile.
— from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson - And you did propose to her, you know; you did so before her parents and sisters.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
