Literary notes about permissive (AI summary)
The term “permissive” is used in literature to indicate a mode of allowance that emphasizes flexibility or tolerance rather than strict obligation. In dramatic texts, for instance, it denotes situations where actions or decrees are not enforced compulsorily—as in the notion that wrongdoings are given a free pass ([1])—and in poetic discourse, it contrasts with decisive, mandatory authority to stress freedom in human or divine will ([2], [3]). In legal and political writings, “permissive” frequently characterizes policies and statutes that grant discretion rather than imposing strict adherence ([4], [5], [6]). Moreover, in theological or philosophical contexts, it is employed to highlight the subtle interplay between what is actively willed and what is merely permitted by a higher authority ([7], [8]).
- For what I bid them do; for we bid this be done, When evil deeds have their permissive pass And not the punishment.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Thus I embold'nd spake, and freedom us'd Permissive, and acceptance found, which gain'd This answer from the gratious voice Divine.
— from The Poetical Works of John Milton by John Milton - Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used Permissive, and acceptance found; which gained This answer from the gracious Voice Divine.
— from Paradise Lost by John Milton - And he proceeds to consider the two alternatives: the Permissive Popular Veto, and the Popular Control by an unfettered Licensing Board.
— from Memoir and Letters of Francis W. Newman by I. Giberne (Isabel Giberne) Sieveking - Next in order to the Secocoeni peace came the question of Confederation, as laid down in Lord Carnarvon’s Permissive Bill.
— from Cetywayo and his White NeighboursRemarks on Recent Events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard - [584] This law was merely permissive, but in 1882, by the Compulsory Education Law, the establishment of these organisations was made obligatory.
— from The Feeding of School Children by M. E. (Mildred Emily) Bulkley - God knows every act of his own will, whether it be positive or permissive, and therefore every effect of his will.
— from The Existence and Attributes of God, Volumes 1 and 2 by Stephen Charnock - To this head of permissive providence is possibly to be referred 1 Sam.
— from Systematic Theology (Volume 2 of 3) by Augustus Hopkins Strong
