Literary notes about complaisance (AI summary)
Literary authors employ "complaisance" as a nuanced term that can indicate both sincere courtesy and a calculated, even self-serving, politeness. In some works it is used to highlight a character’s natural graciousness and willingness to accommodate others, suggesting amiable and refined behavior, as when a partner’s agreeable nature is admired [1] or when a gentleman’s conduct reflects both duty and graciousness [2]. Elsewhere, the word carries a more critical tone—implying a kind of ingratiating compliance that may border on obsequiousness or strategic self-interest [3], [4]. This dual use of the term underscores its versatility in capturing the fine line between genuine affability and the manipulation of social decorum.
- "He is indeed—but considering the inducement, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would object to such a partner?"
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - His disposition did not belie his physiognomy: full of patience and complaisance, he rather appeared to study with than to instruct me.
— from The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - It was probably out of complaisance to this great company, that the government agreed to render this law perpetual.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - He uses the tasks you set him to obtain what he wants from you, and he can always make you pay for an hour’s industry by a week’s complaisance.
— from Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
