Literary notes about questioning (AI summary)
In literature, “questioning” is a multifaceted term that enriches character interactions and deepens thematic explorations. Authors often use it to depict both literal and figurative inquiries—for instance, a character’s steady, assessing glance can be described as “questioning,” as seen when a law student receives a malignant look ([1]) or when an individual’s eyes speak volumes of wonder and doubt ([2], [3]). Beyond physical gestures, “questioning” also encapsulates the internal dialogue of uncertainty and introspection, where characters or narrators examine their own beliefs and circumstances ([4], [5], [6]). Moreover, the term frequently marks moments of active interrogation within narrative settings, whether in legal proceedings or conversational exchanges, thereby highlighting its wide-ranging utility as both a descriptive and thematic device ([7], [8], [9]).
- “Monsieur is taking Collin’s part” she said, with a questioning, malignant glance at the law student; “it is not difficult to guess why.”
— from Father Goriot by Honoré de Balzac - Her eyes rested on him for a moment, questioning, as she thought of the meaning of his speech.
— from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence - He shot a questioning glance at each of us, placed his shiny top hat upon the sideboard, and with a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair.
— from Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - Then Rainbow Pete said he was not so certain of her, on questioning himself.
— from The Best Short Stories of 1917, and the Yearbook of the American Short Story - All questioning, wonder, emotion of curiosity, must be referred to cerebral causes of some such form as this.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - Thus there are a hundred circumstances to induce perplexity in the mind, a questioning as to the cause of this excitation.
— from Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche - The Professor lost no time in his questioning; her answer came with equal quickness:— “All is dark.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker - Sue writhed under the hard and direct questioning, and her tender little mouth began to quiver.
— from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy - While he was questioning her, word was brought that Jerome demanded to speak with him.
— from The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole