The Cost of a Pyramid
The work explores the unexpected significance of the onion in the construction of the Egyptian Pyramids, presenting it as a symbol of strength and vitality. It begins by challenging conventional associations of strength, suggesting that the onion, often overlooked, played a crucial role in the labor force that built these monumental structures. The author references historical accounts, particularly from Herodotus, who documented the dietary needs of the workers, emphasizing the consumption of onions, leeks, and radishes as essential to their physical power. The narrative delves into the mechanics of pyramid construction, dismissing the notion of advanced machinery and instead highlighting the sheer human effort fueled by these vegetables. The cost of the onions and other produce is noted, illustrating the economic aspect of sustaining the workforce. The text also reflects on the nature of scent, particularly the onion's odor, as a complex and poorly understood phenomenon, contrasting it with other sensory experiences. Throughout, the work employs humor and irony, elevating the humble onion to a status of historical importance while simultaneously critiquing societal perceptions of strength and value. The exploration of scent serves as a metaphor for deeper understanding, suggesting that what is often dismissed can hold significant power and influence. The piece ultimately invites readers to reconsider the overlooked elements of history and their contributions to monumental achievements.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1912 · Genre: Humor, Essay, Historical Fiction · 947 words
First lines
If you were suddenly asked, by way of a mental test, what particular thing or person was most closely associated in your mind with the word _strong_, you would probably say a giant or an ox unless you had been listening to a sermon whose text was the sixteenth chapter of Judges, thirtieth verse, in which case you would be more likely to say Samson, but the typical example of physical strength, would hardly be an Onion.
And yet the Onion, although, like the proverbial Prophet, it may be without honor among its fellow vegetables, is regarded by at least one human outsider as the giant and ox and Samson combined of the vegetable world.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cost of a Pyramid is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Essay, Historical Fiction, Philosophical, Satire
- Length: 947 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Cost of a Pyramid by Oliver Herford
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Humor — The book employs satire and wit to discuss the absurdity of attributing monumental achievements to something as mundane as onions.
- Essay — The work presents a reflective and analytical exploration of historical and cultural themes surrounding the construction of the pyramids.
- Historical Fiction — It incorporates historical references, particularly to ancient Egypt, while blending factual elements with imaginative narrative.
- Philosophical — The text delves into deeper questions about strength, perception, and the nature of existence through the lens of a seemingly trivial subject.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Fiction · Humor · Poetry · Philosophy · Morality · Ethics · Society · Culture · Politics · Economy