Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Title: Proem: Ballade of the Bookworm Author: Andrew Lang

Provenance Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic who lived from 1844 to 1912. Known for his work in folklore, translation, and anthropology, Lang was also a devoted bibliophile. "Proem: Ballade of the Bookworm" is a poem where Lang beautifully expresses his enduring love for books. The poem seems to be a personal reflection, offering insights into Lang's own life and his lifelong affection for literature.

Theme Analysis

Love for Books: The central theme of the poem is the speaker's deep, enduring love for books. The speaker describes how this love began in childhood and has persisted into adulthood, despite the changes and losses that have occurred over time.

Childhood and Memory: The poem reflects on the speaker's early childhood, describing a young child deeply engrossed in books. This nostalgia for the past underscores the transformative power of books and the joy they can bring.

The Power of Imagination: The speaker mentions various fairy tales, showing how books have opened up a world of imagination for him. The reference to characters like Bluebeard, Jack, and Aladdin, highlight the magical and fantastical worlds that books offer.

The Passage of Time and Enduring Love: The speaker acknowledges the changes that time brings but declares that his love for books remains constant. This reflects on the timeless value of literature.

Poetic Devices

Rhyme: The poem uses an ABABBCBC rhyme scheme, typical of the ballade, a form of medieval French verse that was often used for narrative and dramatic effect.

Repetition: The line "The Books I loved, I love them still" is repeated in every stanza, emphasizing the speaker's enduring love for books.

Allusion: The poem alludes to various fairy tales and characters, bringing to mind familiar stories and enhancing the theme of the transformative power of books.

Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery, like "The Golden Key/That opens the Enchanted Door," to convey the magical, transformative power of reading.

Metaphor: Books are metaphorically referred to as a "Golden Key" that opens an "Enchanted Door", illustrating the potential of books to unlock imagination and knowledge.

In conclusion, "Proem: Ballade of the Bookworm" is a heartfelt tribute to books and the enduring love for them. It highlights the transformative and timeless nature of literature, using evocative imagery and allusion to convey the magic of reading. The poem seems to reflect Lang's own experiences, giving us a glimpse into his life as a book-lover.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...