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Metropolis Quote by Thea von Harbou

“The New Tower of Babel and its fellow houses stretched their somber heights high above the cathedral spire, that the young girls in the work-rooms and wireless stations gazed down just as deep from the thirtieth story windows on the star-crowned virgin as she, in earlier days, had looked down on…” quote by Thea von Harbou
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““The New Tower of Babel and its fellow houses stretched their somber heights high above the cathedral spire, that the young girls in the work-rooms and wireless stations gazed down just as deep from the thirtieth story windows on the star-crowned virgin as she, in earlier days, had looked down on the pious red roofs.  In place of doves, flying machines swarmed over the cathedral roof and over the city, resting on the roofs, from which, at night glaring pillars and circles indicated the course of flight and landing points. The Master of Metropolis had already considered, more than once, having the cathedral pulled down, as being pointless and an obstruction to the traffic in the town of fifty million inhabitants. But the small, eager sect of Gothics, whose leader was Desertus, half monk, half one enraptured, had sworn the solemn oath: If one hand from the wicked city of Metropolis were to dare to touch just one stone of the cathedral, then they would neither repose nor rest until the wicked city of Metropolis should lie, a heap of ruins, at the foot of her cathedral.””

Thea von Harbou

About This Quote

Source Novel: Metropolis by Thea von Harbou, 1925

A conflict between industrial progress and spiritual heritage, where a zealot faction vows to protect a cathedral at all costs, even if it means destroying the city.

In simple terms: Progress vs. tradition clash, with a fanatic group defending a sacred building.

Key Takeaway

Consider the cost of protecting symbols versus advancing society.

Themes

conflict faith urbanization zealotry

Mood

tense dramatic

Type

literary philosophical.

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • heritage preservation
  • political activism
  • architectural conservation

Key Concepts

symbolism power dynamics urban decay religious fervor

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values should guide the balance between development and preservation?
  • When does protecting a symbol become harmful?
A Different Perspective

The zealots' extreme devotion may ignore broader societal needs and cause unnecessary destruction.

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