Literary notes about reluctance (AI summary)
Reluctance serves as a subtle yet powerful indicator of an inner conflict that writers employ to deepen character and narrative tension. In historical works, it frequently marks the unwilling but inevitable yielding to rigid social and political demands ([1], [2], [3], [4]), while in more personal narratives it emphasizes a character’s hesitancy or moral struggle—actions taken despite an inner protest ([5], [6], [7], [8]). Whether illustrating a calculated submission or a quietly felt aversion, the term enriches the narrative by revealing the layered emotions behind decisions and actions ([9], [10], [11]).
- The conduct of Licinius soon betrayed the reluctance with which he had consented to the wise and humane regulations of the edict of Milan.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - 12 They were dictated by the rigid and jealous spirit of an aristocracy, which had yielded with reluctance to the just demands of the people.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - It was not without reluctance and remorse, that the prætorian guards had been persuaded to abandon the cause of the tyrant.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Romans, with reluctance do I dwell on this topic; for so ought those persons proceed who employ mercenary troops.
— from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy - As it was, he went in with extreme reluctance.
— from The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim - I made the admission with reluctance, for it seemed to have a boyish look, and she already treated me more than enough like a boy.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - Tom gave it to her, but with a reluctance which he could not entirely disguise.
— from The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain - An overpowering reluctance to greet her made him decide that she had not seen him.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy - Then it began to grow and brighten, and he knew that he was rising toward the surface—knew it with reluctance, for he was now very comfortable.
— from An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce - It was not without reluctance and remorse, that the praetorian guards had been persuaded to abandon the cause of the tyrant.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - A saint, who has accustomed himself to submit to the will of God, yields to death without reluctance.
— from Letters of Abelard and Heloise by Peter Abelard and Héloïse
