Literary notes about interested (AI summary)
In literature, “interested” is deployed with notable nuance, ranging from a display of genuine emotional engagement to a sign of detached or even utilitarian attention. Authors sometimes use the word to convey a deep, personal curiosity or attraction—whether it is the tender fascination in a pastoral scene [1] or the reflective self-awareness of one character regarding another’s intellect or appearance [2]. At other moments, “interested” is employed to denote a matter-of-fact or even indifferent state, as when a character dismisses romantic or social overtures [3] or focuses solely on pragmatic concerns [4]. Thus, the term serves as a flexible tool, allowing writers to articulate both passion and impartiality in subtle, thought-provoking ways [5][6].
- I was much interested during the dessert by the evident tenderness of the pastor for Helen’s mother.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - She had given me more than a glimpse of her learning; she had let me guess that I interested her, and that she thought of me.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - I did not feel interested in the Countess Marcolini, and, seeing it, the gossip changed the subject.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - I am particularly interested in his address."
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - His romantic olive-colored face and worn expression interested him.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - I am not interested in her—and—you should not mention this woman and me in the same breath.
— from Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde
