The Eiffel Tower

What is the context?

            Originally made as an entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was built by France architects. The fair was commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was originally designed by Maurice Koechlin, but often times Alexander Gustav Eiffel gets all the credit. In fact, Eiffel did very little to actually design the tower. He originally rejected Koechlin design. It was too simple and boring for such a grand event. In the end, Koechlin redesigned the tower to include 18,000 pieces of iron and 2.5 million rivets. It took two years to build the tower. At the end of construction, the Eiffel Tower stood 1,000 feet tall making it the tallest building in the world until the Chrysler Building was erected. A 65 foot antenna was added to the top in 1957 which made it taller than the Chrysler Building but still shorter than the Empire State Building. The tower was intended to only be a temporary installment. In 1909, it was almost torn down. However, the Parisian government recognized its value as radiotelegraph station in addition to its grand stature. Throughout the years, the Eiffel Tower has become an icon in the city of lights. No other attraction gains as much attention or attracts as many tourists as the Eiffel Tower does.

What is the author communicating and how?

            Koechlin’s original design was intended as an entrance to the World’s Fair. Being such an important event, he understood that the entrance needed to be eye-catching and awe-inspiring. Eiffel also recognized this significance and demanded that it be more ostentatious and ornate.  They wanted to show that the World’s Fair and the centennial of the revolution were important. Parisians wanted to commemorate the revolution and believed that new buildings were the way to do so. Therefore, the Eiffel Tower was built. A tower like this is not built for just any event. The entire reason for making it was to represent the fair and remember the revolution.

            In addition, the Eiffel Tower represents the innovation in science and technology of its time. A tower of this size could be used for many scientific experiments regarding air pressure, temperature, and radio telegraphy. The people of the time were excited to explore new things and make France a leading country in innovation.  

Lastly, I believe that the tower represents the strength of France as a country. Following the revolution, France was rebuilding itself as a democracy. The tower represents the culmination of the hard work of its entire people. Becoming the tallest building in the world shows that France was emerging as a world power.  The Eiffel Tower represents France’s power and strength.

Why is it beautiful?

The Eiffel Tower goes dark to mourn the loss of lives on November 13

            I think the Eiffel Tower is beautiful for many reasons. First, this was an incredible feat in the 19^th century. To build a tower of this height and stature is an incredible accomplishment of the French people. In addition, the tower is incredibly intricate. There are thousands of small pieces of iron forming this huge tower. The tiny lattices and rivets are detailed and indicate that a lot of work was put into this building. Lastly, I see the tower as bringing people together. It was built by hundreds of workers, and brings people from all over the world to see it. The tower is lit every day so that people across Paris can view it. It also had incredible significance to the Parisian people. After the recent terrorist attacks, the Eiffel Tower was dark for the first time in a hundred years to mourn the lost lives. The tower represents France, Paris, and its people. It can be used as a symbol of love, light, or any other emotion that is attached to the tower.