Literary notes about wall (AI summary)
The word “wall” in literature serves as both a literal structure and a rich metaphor. It can denote physical boundaries or fortifications, as seen in historical or descriptive passages where walls protect cities or define spaces ([1], [2], [3]). Walls also emerge as symbols of division or obstacles that characters must confront, whether it’s the challenge of scaling a barrier in pursuit of freedom ([4]) or the metaphorical partitions that separate social classes and ideas ([5], [6]). In other instances, the wall is nearly a character in itself, setting the scene or holding secrets behind its surface—like the mysterious picture on a wall ([7]) or the room partition that conceals hidden truths ([8]). Through these diverse uses, “wall” becomes a multifaceted literary device that anchors a narrative’s setting, highlights conflicts, and even mirrors inner struggles.
- Bayer thinks the wall was probably built originally by one of the Antiochi, and renewed by the Sassanian Kobad or his son Naoshirwan.
— from The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1 by Marco Polo and da Pisa Rusticiano - [138] ALDGATE WARD The second ward within the wall, on the east part, is called Aldgate ward, as taking name of the same gate.
— from The Survey of London by John Stow - Round the cottage on the moor there was a piece of ground enclosed by a low wall of rough stones.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - “Well,” said the young man, “if you’re born on the wrong side of the wall, I can’t see that it’s wrong to climb over it.”
— from The innocence of Father Brown by G. K. Chesterton - For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and breaking down the middle wall of partition, the enmities in his flesh: 2:15.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - We must watch for a breach in the living wall that hemmed us in; the wall that had only admitted us in order to shut us up.
— from Moby Dick; Or, The Whale by Herman Melville - He was particularly pleased with the appearance of a picture, on the wall opposite, which he himself had given them: “I'd no idea it was so good!”
— from The Forsyte Saga, Volume I. by John Galsworthy - She is to enter now, and I am to spy her through the wall.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare