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Literary notes about rogue (AI summary)

The term rogue in literature is a dynamic label that captures a wide spectrum of character and behavior. It is frequently used to denote a person who is mischievous, untrustworthy, or defiantly independent—a scoundrel or knave who often embodies both charm and moral ambiguity. In some works, authors employ the term as a pointed insult to dismiss an individual’s integrity or honor, as seen in dismissals such as “Begone, rogue; begone, wretch” [1] and Shakespeare’s vivid portrayals in his plays [2, 3, 4]. In other instances, the term carries a nuanced edge, suggesting a sort of honest subversion or resourceful cunning, a duality that emerges in the characterizations of Dostoyevsky where a rogue can be both flawed and endearingly true to his nature [5, 6].
  1. "Begone, rogue; begone, wretch; do not come near me again."
    — from Candide by Voltaire
  2. Let him not come hither; it is the foul-mouth'dst rogue in England.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  3. Out, ye rogue!—Play out the play: I have much to say in the behalf of that Falstaff.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  4. You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I am not fitted for't.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  5. Yes, it is only among us that the most incorrigible rogue can be absolutely and loftily honest at heart without in the least ceasing to be a rogue.
    — from Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  6. Aglaya, may I kiss your prince?” cried the young rogue, and sure enough she skipped up to the prince and kissed his forehead.
    — from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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