Summary Of Christopher Hitchen's Essay The Lovely Stones

In his essay "The Lovely Stones," Christopher Hitchens elucidates the tumultuous history of the Parthenon, emphasizing its enduring significance amidst centuries of abuse and plunder. Hitchens quotes the esteemed classicist A. W. Lawrence, who lauds the Parthenon as "the one building in the world which may be assessed as absolutely right," highlighting its unparalleled architectural and aesthetic perfection. However, despite its intrinsic beauty, the Parthenon has suffered egregious acts of desecration throughout history, from being repurposed as a garrison and arsenal by Turkish forces to enduring the detonation of a powder magazine in 1687, resulting in extensive damage to its structure.

Hitchens employs rhetorical questions to underscore the moral imperative of reuniting the Parthenon Marbles, drawing parallels to hypothetical scenarios such as the dissection of the Mona Lisa. He asks, "If the Mona Lisa had been sawed in two during the Napoleonic Wars...would there not be a general wish to see what they might look like if re-united?" This rhetorical device prompts readers to reflect on the absurdity of separating artistic masterpieces and underscores the urgency of rectifying historical injustices.
He laments how Athens "allowed itself to become very dirty and polluted," resulting in the erosion of the remaining sculptures. This imagery evokes a sense of empathy and urgency, compelling readers to confront the tangible consequences of neglect and exploitation of cultural