Literary notes about avaricious (AI summary)
In literature, "avaricious" is often employed to paint characters as consumed by an unyielding greed that corrupts both their actions and moral fiber. Authors use the term not only to characterize individuals who relentlessly hoard wealth—as seen in depictions of greedy bankers and stingy heirs [1, 2]—but also to contrast virtuous figures with those who embody moral deficiency through their relentless pursuit of gain [3, 4, 5]. Classical texts and fables similarly invoke "avaricious" to warn against the perils of excessive desire, where even the most celebrated men or ascribed heroes are not immune to greed [6, 7]. Across these narratives, whether illustrating the corrupting influence of avarice in the lives of powerful rulers or subtly critiquing the societal implications of such traits [8, 9], the adjective serves as a critical lens through which the value of generosity over greed is underscored [10].
- ORGEMONT (D'), wealthy and avaricious banker, proprietor at Fougeres, bought the Abbaye de Juvigny's estate.
— from Repertory of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A — Z by Cerfberr and Christophe - They both agreed in calling him an old screw; which means a very stingy, avaricious person.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - You are, at least, as avaricious as you are revengeful.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - How I had a grasping, avaricious wish to shut out everybody from her but myself, and to be all in all to her, at that unseasonable time of all times.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - I am not an avaricious or interested man, but the world thinks of these things—and Polly will be rich."
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë - As he advances in years he grows avaricious, for he has lost philosophy, which is the only saviour and guardian of men.
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - And the avaricious, I said, is the oligarchical youth?
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - These priests are all thus, greedy and avaricious.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - There is no more violent prodigal than the avaricious man who takes the bit in his teeth; there is no man more terrible in action than a dreamer.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - Last of all take notice, Pa, that it's not the fruit of any avaricious scheme.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
