Literary notes about Demolition (AI summary)
In literature, demolition functions as a vivid metaphor for transformation as well as a literal account of destruction. Its use spans from the physical obliteration of edifices like churches, temples, and fortifications—calling attention to cultural or political shifts ([1], [2], [3], [4])—to the strategic dismantling in military contexts through bombings and coordinated assaults ([5], [6], [7]). At times, the term assumes a symbolic dimension, suggesting the breakdown of archaic ideas or social orders, as when the demolition of established idols or prejudices paves the way for renewal ([8], [9]). This duality of meaning reinforces the power of demolition as both an act of physical demolition and a metaphor for the disintegration of an old regime, inviting readers to reflect on the inevitable cycle of destruction and rebirth ([10], [11]).
- They indignantly supported the exile of their bishops, the demolition of their churches, and the interruption of their secret assemblies.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - And this led, amongst others, to the demolition of the celebrated temple of Serapis, and its conversion into churches and cloisters.
— from Curiosities of Christian History Prior to the Reformation by James Paterson - Yet Augustine, with laudable inconsistency, disapproved of the forcible demolition of the temples.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - The chapel was then devoted to secular use, and became the Court of Requests until its final demolition in 1822 to make room for the new Law Courts.
— from Memorials of Old London. Volume 1 (of 2) - He was responsible for the demolition on 10 August 1938, of the synagogue in Nuremberg.
— from Trial of the Major War Criminals Before the International Military Tribunal, Nuremburg, 14 November 1945-1 October 1946, Volume 1 by Various - On 18 and 19 October the underwater demolition teams made a reconnaissance of the landing areas, accompanied by destroyers which bombarded the shores.
— from Leyte: The Return to the Philippines by M. Hamlin Cannon - He found two bomb-bags, each containing six light anti-personnel grenades and a big demolition-bomb.
— from Genesis by H. Beam Piper - If you keep on in this work of demolition, you will soon destroy all our ideals.
— from The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 06 (of 12) Dresden Edition—Discussions by Robert Green Ingersoll - Demolition of one's idols is painful, and Carlyle had been an idol.
— from The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams - that indefatigable worker, who so largely began the demolition of the feudal edifice, continued by Richelieu and Louis XIV.
— from Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo - Its final destruction took place in 1643 under an order of the Long Parliament, which decreed the demolition of all crosses.
— from The Cross in Ritual, Architecture and Art by Geo. S. (George Smith) Tyack
