Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lending Library" is a humorous poem by Phyllis McGinley, first published in 1947. The poem explores the idea of a lending library and the different types of books that people borrow and return.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker describing the types of books that people borrow from a lending library, including "A mystery for Tuesday, a romance for Friday night." The speaker then goes on to describe how some books are returned in poor condition, with "coffee-cup stains" and "grubby finger prints." Despite this, the speaker notes that books continue to be popular and important for people to read.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: The use of vivid imagery, such as "coffee-cup stains" and "dog-eared pages," helps to create a sense of realism in the poem.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is lighthearted and humorous, with a sense of affection for books and the people who borrow them.

Conclusion:

"Lending Library" is a playful and entertaining poem that highlights the enduring popularity of books and the joy of reading. The poem celebrates the diversity of books and the different tastes of readers, while also acknowledging the wear and tear that books can experience when they are borrowed from a lending library. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the pleasures of reading are worth the occasional coffee stain or dog-eared page.

Poem Snippet:

"A mystery for Tuesday, a romance for Friday night,

A dollar novel for a Sunday afternoon,

And often they return them with a coffee-cup stain,

Or with the corners turned, and with a page or two

Scrawled over with a pencilled telephone number."