Literary notes about siege (AI summary)
The word "siege" in literature often carries a double meaning: it describes both the literal military blockade of a fortified place and, at times, a metaphorical encirclement of emotions or circumstances. Historical narratives employ it to vividly recount prolonged, desperate military endeavors, as in accounts of fortification breaches and relentless assaults [1], [2], [3], while classical texts highlight its strategic importance in shaping the outcomes of wars [4], [5]. Dramatic works transform its imagery further, using the term to signify an overbearing emotional state where one feels besieged by affections or challenges [6], [7]. In each instance, "siege" enriches the narrative by emphasizing both the physical and symbolic intensity of conflict and endurance.
- Their siege was more reasonably directed against the northern and western sides of the city.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - However, it was at the siege-works themselves that the shouting was loudest and the throng of combatants the densest.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - They repaired the part of their walls which had been thrown down, and prepared to endure the siege with good courage.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - It is first mentioned by Cæsar, who had some ships built there for the siege of Massilia or Marseilles.
— from The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6) by the Elder Pliny - 50 202 Siege of Alesia Caesar, B. G. vii.
— from Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Edmund Luce - Let us part, And leave this idle theme, this bootless chat: Remove your siege from my unyielding heart, To love’s
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - She will not stay the siege of loving terms Nor bide th’encounter of assailing eyes, Nor ope her lap to saint-seducing gold:
— from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
