Literary notes about monolithic (AI summary)
The term "monolithic" is deployed in literature to evoke both tangible and abstract concepts of unity and solidity. In one vein, it describes massive, singular, and enduring physical structures—behemoth columns, carved monuments, and entire edifices hewn from single blocks that convey ancient craftsmanship and permanence ([1], [2], [3]). In another, it functions metaphorically to characterize groups, ideologies, or practices as uniformly unyielding and irreducibly homogeneous, suggesting that beneath an outward appearance of collective sameness, diversity may be only an illusion ([4], [5], [6]). This dual usage enriches literary descriptions, offering both vivid physical imagery and abstract commentary on social or philosophical constructs.
- In none of the Memphite mastabas do we find such spacious chambers or so many large and well-wrought monolithic columns.
— from A History of Art in Ancient Egypt, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Charles Chipiez - The monolithic portal is one block of hard trachytic rock, now deeply
— from Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. 1 (of 8) Aboriginal America - Petra, in all details, was carved from granite—a monolithic city.]
— from The Flying Legion by George Allan England - Nor are the "left" and "right" ideologically monolithic and socially homogeneous continental movements.
— from The Belgian Curtain: Europe after Communism by Samuel Vaknin - Finally, the end of monolithic Communist control has brought ethnic grievances into the open.
— from The 1992 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency - Yet, corruption is not a monolithic practice.
— from Crime and Corruption by Samuel Vaknin
