Literary notes about show (AI summary)
The word “show” is deployed in literature with a rich versatility, sometimes denoting a vivid physical display and at other times the revelation of internal states. It can convey something as concrete as the menacing stance of an advancing force or the vivid blooming of trees ([1], [2]), while in other contexts it functions to uncover hidden emotions or characteristics, as when a character’s true feelings are masked beneath a veneer or subtly revealed in their tone ([3], [4]). Moreover, “show” often bridges internal and external worlds—illustrating abstract ideas by making them tangible through demonstrative acts or signals, whether in gestures of defiance, declarations of worth, or invitations to share wisdom ([5], [6], [7]). This multifaceted use underscores its power to both depict and evoke, serving as a key literary device for transforming nuances into expressive detail.