Literary notes about silly (AI summary)
The term “silly” in literature is employed with notable versatility, conveying everything from gentle humor and affectionate teasing to pointed criticism of triviality and irrationality. Authors use it to describe characters’ foolish actions or naive behavior—as when a character dismisses their own actions as “silly” ([1]) or when another is scornfully labeled for imprudent folly ([2]). In some works, the word serves as a playful marker of whimsy or as a subtle satirical cue about society’s absurdities ([3], [4]), while in others it hints at deeper emotional or social commentary, underscoring the gap between intent and outcome ([5], [6]). Overall, “silly” emerges as a richly layered descriptor that both entertains and provokes reflection on human behavior.
- It was all very silly, he knew; but therefore the more outrage to his dignity, and his anger waxed and waxed.
— from The call of the wild by Jack London - "How can you be so silly," cried her mother, "as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt!
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - “The last,” he murmured, “the last of this silly universe.
— from The island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells - Propaganda gestures such as this—spontaneous, saucy, silly—achieve effects which planned operations rarely attain.
— from Psychological Warfare by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger - "Silly goose," said the old woman, "The door is big enough; just look, I can get in myself!"
— from Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm - The wise little girl with her silly little boy.
— from Mrs. Warren's Profession by Bernard Shaw
