Library by John Gould Fletcher
The novel explores the decline of a Southern aristocratic family through the eyes of its protagonist, a young woman who struggles to maintain her family's social status and traditions in the face of economic hardship and personal tragedy. The narrative spans several decades, from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and is marked by themes of decay, loss, and disillusionment. The author portrays the family's gradual decline through a series of vignettes that reveal their struggles with poverty, illness, and personal relationships. Throughout the novel, the protagonist grapples with her own identity and sense of purpose, as she navigates the complexities of her family's history and the changing social landscape of the South. The novel ultimately presents a bleak portrait of a once-proud family reduced to poverty and obscurity.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Descriptive · 76 words
First lines
Stuffy smell of mouldering leather, Tattered arm-chairs, creaking doors, Books that slovenly elbow each other, Sown with children's scrawls and long Worn out by contact with generations: Tattered tramps displaying yourselves -- "We, though you broke our backs, did not complain."
If I had my way, I would take you out and bury you quickly, Or give you to the clean fire.
What this Textopian page supports
Library is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Descriptive, Philosophical
- Length: 76 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Library by John Gould Fletcher
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Library?
- How does this essay by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Reading by John Gould Fletcher
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- History by William Carlos Williams
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs poetic language, imagery, and structure, focusing on the aesthetic and emotional experience of the library.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore human experiences and reflections on literature and memory, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Descriptive — The vivid descriptions of the library and its contents create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
- Philosophical — The text contemplates the nature of books and their impact on human life, inviting deeper reflection on existence and knowledge.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature Writing · Regionalism · Southern Gothic · Literary Modernism · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Experimentation · Autobiographical Elements