Literary notes about recompense (AI summary)
The term "recompense" is employed in literature with a range of connotations, from a literal payment to a moral or poetic balancing of deeds. In some narratives it denotes a financial or material compensation, as when a character is promised monetary relief for minor inconveniences [1] or when the return of a service is assured through reward [2]. In classical and religious texts, however, the word takes on the sense of moral retribution or justice, encapsulating ideas of punishing wrongdoing or reciprocating kindness [3, 4, 5]. Meanwhile, in dramatic and epic works, "recompense" is often interwoven with themes of fate and honor, highlighting its role in conveying both the burden and the honor of paying dues for past actions [6, 7]. Thus, across various genres and historical periods, authors harness the multifaceted nature of the term to enrich their depictions of justice, reward, and moral balance.
- We are willing to give £30 a quarter, or £120 a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which our fads may cause you.
— from Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - Well then, said Grangousier, at the end I will content you by some honest recompense, as also all those who shall do me good service.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais - 3. 'Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.' CHAP.
— from The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics) by Confucius - There is a gift that is not profitable: and there is a gift, the recompense of which is double.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - For if the word spoken by angels became steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward: 2:3.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Gods, recompense the Greeks even thus, if with righteous lips I call for vengeance!
— from The Aeneid of Virgil by Virgil - “‘And here is your recompense,’ said the traveller, offering the young herdsman some small pieces of money.
— from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet