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Literary notes about demolish (AI summary)

The term “demolish” in literature is notable for its flexibility, serving both literal and metaphorical purposes. In some texts, such as in Livy’s account of Roman conquests [1] and Thucydides’ narrative of military actions in Piraeus [2], it vividly illustrates physical destruction—whether of entire cities or defensive structures. Conversely, authors like Guy de Maupassant [3] and Friedrich Nietzsche [4] harness the word to symbolize the forceful dismantling of established ideas or principles, challenging sacred or long-held beliefs. Additionally, in more nuanced contexts, “demolish” is employed either humorously, as in Henry Fielding’s remark about excessive hunting [5], or to evoke a sense of renewal, as seen in Herzl’s observation on replacing the old with the new [6]. This diverse usage underscores the word’s robust adaptability in literary expression, bridging material destruction and the disintegration of abstract constructs.
  1. The legions were next led thither to demolish the city.
    — from The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livy
  2. Upon this the heavy infantry and a number of the people in Piraeus immediately got up on the fortification and began to demolish it.
    — from The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
  3. I defy you to pick any flaw in it, while I will undertake to demolish your most sacred principles with three arguments.”
    — from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
  4. Indeed, he would have had to demolish Christianity with his ideal!
    — from The Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
  5. ," said the coachman, "you demolish more game now than your head's worth.
    — from Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1 by Henry Fielding
  6. If I wish to substitute a new building for an old one, I must demolish before I construct.
    — from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl

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