The writer uses the Eiffel Tower as an example of a monument that has become a beloved symbol in spite of being unpopular with some people at the time of its creation. Ironically, the Eiffel Tower was not built with any greater aim than simply to be large and imposing, yet now it is seen as representing the city of Paris.

The writer claims that the Eiffel Tower, unlike similar tall or large structures, serves no utilitarian or aesthetic purpose. Today it is praised by ordinary people who cannot understand or appreciate truly great architecture.

The writer uses the Eiffel Tower to show how the size of a building determines its popularity. Although the Eiffel Tower had no serious purpose or function when it was built, because it was so much taller than other buildings around it, people came to see it as imposing and important.

The Eiffel Tower was not built with a greater aim than simply to be large and imposing, yet now it is seen as representing the city of Paris.