Literary notes about unfeigned (AI summary)
In literature, the word "unfeigned" is employed to underscore a profound authenticity and sincerity in emotions and actions. For instance, authors use it to highlight genuine feelings—such as the unmistakable, heartfelt joy in Lewis Carroll’s work ([1]) or the honest surprise in both Dickens ([2]) and Bret Harte ([3]). It is equally effective in conveying reluctant acceptance or hesitation, as seen in Richard Wagner’s depiction ([4]), and in emphasizing sincere admiration or respect, echoed in works by Arthur Conan Doyle ([5]) and Jane Austen ([6]). Across diverse genres—from Dostoyevsky’s vivid portrayals of inner turmoil ([7], [8]) to the spiritual context in Thomas à Kempis’ writing ([9])—"unfeigned" consistently serves to mark moments free of pretense, capturing the true, raw essence of human experience.
- It had been repeatedly begged for in vain, and being no longer expected, was received with unfeigned joy.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - ‘Grandfather!’ cried the child in unfeigned surprise.
— from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens - “How?—you saw him then?” asked the Padre in unfeigned astonishment.
— from The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Tales by Bret Harte - He was in every respect wholly unsuited to the task, and only accepted it with unfeigned hesitation.
— from My Life — Volume 1 by Richard Wagner - “You reasoned it out beautifully,” I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration.
— from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - He was on foot, and after looking very respectfully at her, looked with most unfeigned satisfaction at her companion.
— from Emma by Jane Austen - But in this smile there was a flash of real unfeigned feeling.
— from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - You solve the riddle of life!” said the captain, half cunningly, half in genuine and unfeigned admiration, for he was a great lover of words.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But he who trusteth in Thee, O Lord, and seeketh Thee with an unfeigned heart, doth not so easily slip.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas