...I am still librarian in your house, for I never was…
““...I am still librarian in your house, for I never was dismissed, and never gave up the office. Now I am librarian here as well.' 'But you have just told me you were sexton here!' 'So I am. It is much the same profession. Except you are a true sexton, books are but dead bodies to you, and a library nothing but a catacomb!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker equates librarianship with sexton duties, highlighting the morbid view of books as dead bodies.
In simple terms: Books seen as dead bodies.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the living value of knowledge.
Themes
knowledge
death
literature
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- library work
- archival preservation
- teaching
Key Concepts
metaphor
professional identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you view books’ role?
- What does “living” literature mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: metaphor may undervalue the vitality of reading.