Paris’s Panthéon, for one - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Paris’s Panthéon, for one," is a classic example of a trivia-based clue that asks the solver to identify the category to which a specific example belongs. It's a test of general knowledge about world landmarks, but with a little crossword logic, it can be solved even if you're not an expert on Parisian architecture.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents a specific noun, the "Panthéon" in Paris, and follows it with the phrase "for one." This construction is a strong signal in crosswords. It means the answer is not "Panthéon" itself, but rather a general term that describes the Panthéon. The solver's task is to figure out the primary function or classification of this famous building. What is the Panthéon?

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Knowledge: If you've visited Paris or are familiar with its landmarks, you might know that the Panthéon is a mausoleum. It houses the remains of distinguished French citizens. From "mausoleum," you can easily get to a more common, shorter synonym that fits a typical crossword grid.

2. Word Association: Let's say you only know the Panthéon is a big, important building in Paris. What are other similar structures around the world used for? Think of the Taj Mahal in India or the Great Pyramids of Giza. These are famous, monumental structures that serve as final resting places. This line of thinking leads you directly to the answer's concept.

3. Leveraging Crossings: If the specific function of the Panthéon doesn't immediately come to mind, getting a few letters from crossing entries is invaluable. For a four-letter answer, even one or two letters can crack the code. For instance, if you have T _ _ B, the answer becomes quite clear.

Background Context

The Panthéon in the Latin Quarter of Paris has a fascinating history. It was originally commissioned by King Louis XV as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve. However, following the French Revolution, the building was secularized and repurposed as a mausoleum for the interment of great French citizens.

Its inscription reads, AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE ("To the great men, the grateful homeland"). Some of the notable figures buried there include Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie, the first woman to be honored with interment in the Panthéon on her own merits.

Conclusion

This clue is a great reminder of how crosswords blend general knowledge with structural cues. Recognizing that "for one" points to a category is half the battle. The other half is accessing that piece of trivia about a world-famous landmark. By connecting the specific example (Panthéon) to its general function (a burial place), solvers can confidently arrive at the answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: What is the primary function of many grand, historical monuments?
2. Hint 2: This type of structure often serves as a final resting place.
3. Hint 3: Famous figures like Victor Hugo and Marie Curie are interred in the Panthéon.
4. Hint 4: It's a place of burial, often for someone of high importance.

The answer is TOMB.