How would you interpret ‘pyramids’ here?
“A novel needs a good collapse,” I (a novelist) maintained. “Success and failure. People read books to escape the uncertainties of life. And they build pyramids to last forever, so we can have something to climb on top of and admire.”

How would you interpret ‘pyramids’ in the phrase: they build pyramids to last forever?
Do you think the word ‘pyramids’ is an image? If so, what do they (pyramids) refer to?
In the previous context, they were talking about the Mayan pyramids. Is it possible that the last sentence just describes the fact and the word ‘pyramids’ just refers to the real Mayan pyramids?
Thanks! And It’s from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.

Question

How would you interpret ‘pyramids’ here?
“A novel needs a good collapse,” I (a novelist) maintained. “Success and failure. People read books to escape the uncertainties of life. And they build pyramids to last forever, so we can have something to climb on top of and admire.”

How would you interpret ‘pyramids’ in the phrase: they build pyramids to last forever?
Do you think the word ‘pyramids’ is an image? If so, what do they (pyramids) refer to?
In the previous context, they were talking about the Mayan pyramids. Is it possible that the last sentence just describes the fact and the word ‘pyramids’ just refers to the real Mayan pyramids?
Thanks! And It’s from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.

Answer

I think he's using the word "pyramid" both as a metaphor for mankind's architectural wonders and to refer to the actual Mayan pyramids.

Answer

the pyramid in this context is actually a figure of speech.
it means to build up achievements, getting better each time, and once you've completed all your goals. you are at the top of the 'pyramid' and can look back on their journey. thats all.

Answer

Yes, they are referring to actual physical pyramids.

Answers · 3

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