Literary notes about disinterest (AI summary)
In literature, "disinterest" is employed to convey a range of attitudes from deliberate feigned apathy to profound emotional detachment. Authors often depict characters adopting disinterested tones as both a shield and an expression of their inner states—for instance, when a character simulates indifference to deflect engagement, as seen when Jack offers a creditable display of disinterest [1], or when a look of detached disregard transforms into anger in a subtle conflict [2]. At times, disinterest marks a poignant distancing from matters of the heart or broader worldly concerns, suggesting both resignation and an absence of passion [3]. Moreover, the term may extend its reach beyond personal demeanor to critique societal and political attitudes, functioning as a tool to illustrate indifference toward significant issues [4, 5].
- " "Well, what do you want us to do, sir?" asked Jack, with what was really, under the circumstances, a creditable simulation of disinterest.
— from The Border Boys Across the Frontier by John Henry Goldfrap - And when Chuls looked away in disinterest, Rikud became angry.
— from The Sense of Wonder by Stephen Marlowe - She had a sad impression that she had forever passed out of the comfortable state of disinterest with which she had formerly looked upon love.
— from Marjorie Dean's Romance by Josephine Chase - The Teutons were to be compelled to disinterest themselves in the affairs of Russia, with whose destinies their own are so closely bound up.
— from The Inside Story of the Peace Conference by Emile Joseph Dillon - Fatigue and disinterest, we have seen, are gradually taking the place of hatred and fear.
— from The Defenders by Philip K. Dick
