Literary notes about venomous (AI summary)
The term "venomous" in literature is a remarkably flexible descriptor, bridging the literal world of poison and danger with metaphorical realms of bitter, hurtful language and character. It is often used to evoke the treacherous sting of a snake or toxin—whether describing the venom in nature, as with poisonous herbs and serpents [1][2][3], or the biting quality of words, as seen in invectives and spiteful remarks [4][5][6]. Additionally, its use extends to illustrating internal traits or feelings, such as venomous doubts and malice that consume the heart [7][8], thereby deepening character portrayal and heightening narrative tension.
- [141] of the aconites, and other poisonous herbs, as also against the stinging of any venomous creature.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - It is commended against the stinging and biting of venomous serpents, or mad dogs, being used inwardly and applied outwardly to the place.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - The herb also boiled in swine’s grease, and so made into an ointment, is good to apply to the biting of any venomous creature.
— from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper - Her invectives against Dr. Bretton had something venomous in them.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë - “Why, so as not to lay waste the country we were abandoning to the enemy,” said Prince Andrew with venomous irony.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - The venomous malice of my swelling heart!
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - I said nothing in reply, but turned my face to the wall, sick at heart, with my mind filled with a thousand venomous doubts and suspicions.
— from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle - A bigoted woman prating of a devout woman is more venomous than the asp and the cobra.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
