Literary notes about seraphic (AI summary)
The word “seraphic” is often employed to evoke a quality of divine radiance and spiritual purity that transcends the ordinary. In literature it may describe a sublime smile or an expression of transcendent beauty—as when a character’s face is noted for its “seraphic expression” [1] or when a smile disarms controversy with its “seraphic” charm [2]. It also serves as an honorific in reference to figures deemed holy or exalted, such as the “Seraphic Doctor” [3], linking human achievement with celestial inspiration. Moreover, “seraphic” can transform descriptions of nature and emotion into something ethereal, as seen in passages that speak of “seraphic love” [4] or the “seraphic fire” of artistic creation [5].
- There was a glow in the boy’s face which gave it a seraphic expression.
— from Mendel: A Story of Youth by Gilbert Cannan - But the preacher continued to regard him with his most lambent and seraphic smile, and in perfect good faith, without the smallest tinge of mockery.
— from Inchbracken: The Story of a Fama Clamosa by Robert Cleland - Among the ascetical writers are: St. Bonaventure, the Seraphic Doctor (d. 1274), John Gerson (d. 1429), John Tauler (d. 1361), Bl.
— from Moral Theology
A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Charles J. (Charles Jerome) Callan - All was over, Cosette had fallen back into deep, seraphic love.
— from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - When you shall touch your gifted lyre, Glowing with sweet, seraphic fire, O then, remember me again, And wake for me one pleasing strain.
— from Withered Leaves from Memory's Garland by Abigail Stanley Hanna