'My Library' by Robert Service
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Like prim Professor of a College
I primed my shelves with books of knowledge;
And now I stand before them dumb,
Just like a child that sucks its thumb,
And stares forlorn and turns away,
With dolls or painted bricks to play.
They glour at me, my tomes of learning.
"You dolt!" they jibe; "you undiscerning
Moronic oaf, you make a fuss,
With highbrow swank selecting us;
Saying: "I'll read you all some day' -
And now you yawn and turn away.
"Unwanted wait we with our store
Of facts and philosophic lore;
The scholarship of all the ages
Snug packed within our uncut pages;
The mystery of all mankind
In part revealed - but you are blind.
"You have no time to read, you tell us;
Oh, do not think that we are jealous
Of all the trash that wins your favour,
The flimsy fiction that you savour:
We only beg that sometimes you
Will spare us just an hour or two.
"For all the minds that went to make us
Are dust if folk like you forsake us,
And they can only live again
By virtue of your kindling brain;
In magice print they packed their best:
Come - try their wisdom to digest. . . ."
Said I: "Alas! I am not able;
I lay my cards upon the table,
And with deep shame and blame avow
I am too old to read you now;
So I will lock you in glass cases
And shun your sad, reproachful faces."
* * * * * * * * *
My library is noble planned,
Yet in it desolate I stand;
And though my thousand books I prize,
Feeling a witling in their eyes,
I turn from them in weariness
To wallow in the Daily Press.
For, oh, I never, never will
The noble field of knowledge till:
I pattern words with artful tricks,
As children play with painted bricks,
And realize with futile woe,
Nothing I know - nor want to know.
My library has windowed nooks;
And so I turn from arid books
To vastitude of sea and sky,
And like a child content am I
With peak and plain and brook and tree,
Crying: "Behold! the books for me:
Nature, be thou my Library!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Library by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism
Wow, what a poem! My Library by Robert Service is a literary masterpiece that encapsulates the joy of reading, the importance of books, and the beauty of imagination. In just a few stanzas, Service manages to convey a powerful message about the transformative power of literature and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Let's dive deeper into this incredible work of art and explore its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The primary theme of My Library is the love of books and reading. Service uses vivid and evocative language to describe the many wonders of literature, from the way it can transport us to different worlds and times to the way it can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons. The poem celebrates the joy of discovery that comes with reading, as well as the emotional connections we can form with our favorite characters and authors.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea that books can provide solace and comfort in difficult times. Service writes, "When I am tired and wayward, / Sick of folly and of sin, / On a book I can rely on, / Just to make me clean again." This suggests that reading can be a form of escape, as well as a way to find peace and renewal in the face of adversity.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea that books can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Service writes, "For the heroes of my boyhood / Still are with me to inspire, / And the poets of my manhood / I can thrill to as I tire." This suggests that literature can serve as a guide or mentor, providing us with role models and examples of courage, determination, and creativity.
Structure
My Library is a relatively short poem, consisting of 12 quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs (a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable). This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is both soothing and energizing, like the act of reading itself.
The poem's structure is simple yet effective, with each quatrain exploring a different aspect of the speaker's love of books. Service uses a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification, to create a rich and vivid picture of the world of literature.
Language
Service's use of language in My Library is one of the poem's greatest strengths. He employs a mixture of simple, straightforward language and more complex, lyrical phrases to create a sense of depth and complexity. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of metaphor and imagery to describe the experience of reading.
For example, Service writes, "My library is dukedom large enough," using the metaphor of a kingdom to describe the vastness and richness of the world of books. He also personifies books, describing them as "old friends" and "faithful lovers," which gives them a human quality and makes them more relatable.
Another notable feature of the poem's language is its use of repetition. Service repeats the phrase "My library" throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's deep attachment to the books in his collection. He also repeats certain words and phrases, such as "comfort," "joy," and "thousand-fold," to create a sense of rhythm and pattern.
Interpretation
My interpretation of My Library is that it is a powerful tribute to the transformative power of literature. The poem celebrates the many joys and benefits of reading, from the way it can transport us to new worlds and times to the way it can help us find solace and inspiration in difficult times.
At its core, the poem is about the importance of imagination and creativity in our lives. Service suggests that books can awaken something within us, sparking our curiosity, fueling our passions, and inspiring us to greatness. He writes, "Oh, I love the smokeless silence / Of my study's calm retreat, / Where I keep my well-worn volumes / And my cherished folios neat." This suggests that reading can be a deeply personal and intimate experience, one that allows us to connect with our inner selves and explore the mysteries of the world around us.
Ultimately, My Library is a testament to the power of literature to transform and enrich our lives. Service's vivid and evocative language captures the wonder and beauty of the world of books, inviting us to join him in his celebration of the written word.
Conclusion
In conclusion, My Library by Robert Service is a remarkable poem that captures the magic and wonder of the world of books. With its rich imagery, rhythmic language, and powerful themes, the poem is a tribute to the transformative power of literature and a celebration of the human imagination. Whether you are a lifelong book lover or just discovering the joys of reading, this poem is sure to resonate with you on a deep and meaningful level. So next time you curl up with a good book, remember the words of Robert Service and celebrate the wonders of the written word.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge and Imagination
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left us with a legacy of beautiful and thought-provoking poems. One of his most celebrated works is "My Library," a poem that celebrates the joys of reading and the wonders of a personal library. In this poem, Service takes us on a journey through his library, describing the books that he has collected over the years and the memories and emotions that they evoke. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in "My Library" and the significance of this poem in the context of Service's life and work.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his library as a "little room" that is "cramped with books." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the speaker's love for books and the importance that they hold in his life. The use of the word "cramped" also suggests that the speaker's library is not just a physical space but a place that is overflowing with knowledge and imagination.
As the speaker takes us on a tour of his library, he describes the different types of books that he has collected. He mentions "histories and biographies," "novels and essays," and "poems and plays." This diversity of genres highlights the speaker's broad interests and suggests that he is a well-read and curious individual. The use of alliteration in this line ("histories and biographies," "novels and essays," and "poems and plays") also adds a musical quality to the poem, making it more enjoyable to read.
The speaker then goes on to describe the emotions and memories that each book evokes. He talks about how some books make him laugh, while others make him cry. He also mentions how some books remind him of his childhood, while others transport him to far-off lands. This description of the emotional impact of books is one of the most powerful aspects of the poem. It shows how books can be more than just a source of information but can also be a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy.
The speaker also uses vivid imagery to describe the physical appearance of his books. He talks about how some books are "dog-eared and torn," while others are "bound in leather and gold." This contrast between the worn and the luxurious highlights the diversity of the speaker's collection and suggests that he values books for their content rather than their appearance. The use of personification in this line ("books that are friendly and books that are cold") also adds a human quality to the books, making them seem like living beings that can evoke different emotions.
One of the most striking aspects of "My Library" is the way in which Service uses the library as a metaphor for life. He talks about how his library is a "world within a world" and how each book is a "doorway to the soul." This metaphor suggests that books are not just a source of knowledge but also a way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. By reading books, we can explore different perspectives, learn about different cultures, and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The speaker talks about how his books will outlive him and how they will continue to inspire and educate future generations. This idea of leaving a legacy through books is a powerful one and highlights the importance of literature in preserving our collective knowledge and culture.
In terms of literary devices, "My Library" is rich in imagery, metaphor, and personification. Service uses these devices to bring his library to life and to evoke the emotions and memories that books can inspire. The use of alliteration and rhyme also adds a musical quality to the poem, making it more enjoyable to read.
In the context of Service's life and work, "My Library" is a fitting tribute to a man who was a prolific writer and a lover of books. Service was known for his adventurous spirit and his love of travel, and this is reflected in the diversity of his collection. He was also a poet who was deeply connected to the natural world, and this is evident in the way that he uses imagery to describe his books.
In conclusion, "My Library" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the joys of reading and the wonders of a personal library. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification, Service brings his library to life and shows how books can be a source of knowledge, imagination, and comfort. This poem is a testament to the power of literature and the importance of preserving our collective knowledge and culture.
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