Literary notes about resentful (AI summary)
In literature, "resentful" is often used to convey a deep-seated bitterness or wounded pride that shapes a character’s inner life and outward demeanor. Authors employ the term to illustrate the simmering anger or indignation that characters feel when they perceive injustice, slight, or personal failure—as seen when a character's temper is succinctly described as "resentful" [1] or when a look becomes "resentful" in its silent reproach [2]. This descriptive word can also underscore a broader, more complex emotional state, integrating both self-pity and defiance, such as in moments where past privileges turn into feelings of hostility [3] or when internal turmoil finds expression in a resentful voice [4]. Furthermore, its use spans different narrative voices and genres, from the subtle indignation of socially aware individuals to overtly moralistic tones that challenge characters’ internal contradictions [5], [6].
- My temper would perhaps be called resentful.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - But it brought a resentful glare from the waiter.
— from The Long Lane's Turning by Hallie Erminie Rives - At times I felt as it were abashed, and even resentful of the various privileges of my childish years.
— from White Nights and Other Stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - “I couldn’t go on the moor,” he said in a resentful tone.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - I have no one—" She suddenly stopped, then drew herself up with resentful dignity, and wiped the tears from her eyes.
— from With Links of Steel; Or, The Peril of the Unknown by Nicholas (House name) Carter - In short, resentful pessimism discovers responsible parties in order to create a pleasurable sensation for itself—revenge....
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book III and IV by Nietzsche
