Literary notes about thoughtful (AI summary)
Across many literary works, "thoughtful" is employed to evoke a sense of deep introspection, careful deliberation, and emotional complexity in characters. It often describes a pensive state where a character's external demeanor mirrors an inner world of reflection—whether in moments of silent contemplation as noted by Dostoyevsky ([1], [2], [3]) or in subtle, attentive gestures observed by Dickens and Charlotte Brontë ([4], [5]). At times, the adjective conveys a deliberate, measured approach to decisions or observations, as seen in the reflective musings found in works by Hugo and Ibsen ([6], [7]). In each instance, "thoughtful" enriches the narrative by revealing layers of personality and emotion, inviting readers to look beyond mere action into the inner workings of the mind ([8], [9]).
- He continued to speak in a whisper, very deliberately as before, and looked strangely thoughtful and dreamy.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The prince was thoughtful, reserved, even a little absent-minded, and asked none of the questions—one in particular—that Gania had expected.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Nina Alexandrovna is anxious, because he is “thoughtful beyond his years,” but he will, we think, make a useful and active man.
— from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - It was a habit with Scrooge, whenever he became thoughtful, to put his hands in his breeches pockets.
— from A Christmas Carol in Prose; Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens - On re-entering the parlour, I found Diana standing at the window, looking very thoughtful.
— from Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë - “Two napoleons.” “That makes forty francs.” “Yes,” said Fantine; “that makes forty francs.” She remained thoughtful, and began her work.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - But the advice of experienced and thoughtful men has convinced me that in purely local matters a newspaper ought to proceed with a certain caution.
— from An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen - His portrait in his first uniform is familiar to you all—the short, stocky figure; the quiet, thoughtful face; the deep, dark eyes.
— from The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and J. Berg Esenwein - Very thoughtful of Colonel Campbell, was not it?—He knew Miss Fairfax could have no music here.
— from Emma by Jane Austen
