Literary notes about portal (AI summary)
Literary authors imbue the word "portal" with both concrete and symbolic meanings. It frequently denotes an imposing, architectural entrance—a threshold into sacred or mysterious realms—as seen when Quasimodo pauses beneath a monumental church doorway ([1]) or when divine inscriptions are discovered at the gateway of Apollo’s temple ([2]). At the same time, "portal" functions as a metaphor for transformative passage, alluding to journeys from one state of being to another, such as the opening of Death’s dark gateway ([3]) or an entrance into a realm of secret histories and adventure ([4]). Even in modern contexts, the term’s adaptability is evident when it describes digital resources that serve as conduits to language and knowledge ([5]). This dual usage enriches literary landscapes, interweaving tangible architectural imagery with abstract, evocative transitions.
- Quasimodo had halted beneath the great portal, his huge feet seemed as solid on the pavement of the church as the heavy Roman pillars.
— from Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo - At Delphos, before the portal of Apollo’s temple, this sentence, GNOTHI SEAUTON, was found written with a divine hand.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais - He who the Maithil lady stole And kindled fury in my soul, Has sought his fate in senseless pride And opened Death's dark portal wide.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - I went out through the portal into the sunlit world again as soon as my hunger was satisfied.
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - ROBERT BEARD [EN, FR] [EN] Robert Beard (Pennsylvania) #Co-Founder of yourDictionary.com, a major language portal [Interview 01/09/1998 //
— from Entretiens / Interviews / Entrevistas by Marie Lebert
