Literary notes about sickly yellow (AI summary)
The term "sickly yellow" in literature is often deployed as a visual symbol that connotes decay, unease, or an abnormal state. Authors use it to describe both living features and external environments. For instance, when a character's complexion becomes a sickly yellow, it often signals physical deterioration or emotional distress ([1], [2]), while its application to light or landscapes—such as the eerie movement of sickly yellow lamps across deserted houses or a horizon washed in an ominous hue ([3], [4])—serves to imbue scenes with an atmosphere of disquiet and forewarning. This consistent use of the color not only paints a vivid picture for the reader but also reinforces themes of corruption or impending doom throughout the narrative.
- Even the blazing suns of Naraka hadn't succeeded in burning the sickly yellow color off his face.
— from Narakan Rifles, About Face! by George H. (George Henry) Smith - Hoover turned a sickly yellow, and looked as though he would have been glad to crawl under the hose carriage.
— from From School to Battle-field: A Story of the War Days by Charles King - Sickly yellow lights went to and fro in the houses, and some of the passing cabs flaunted unextinguished lamps.
— from The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells - The distant horizon was colored a sickly yellow, which seemed to shine ominously.
— from The Forest of Mystery by James H. Foster
