One notable rhetorical device employed by the author is the use of extended metaphor, alongside personification, creating an engrossing association between books and people. In the introduction of his speech, Phelps describes how “a borrowed book is like a guest in the house; it must be treated with punctiliousness, with a certain considerate formality.” By likening books to guests, the author establishes a sense of formality and obligation, highlighting the need for careful treatment and preservation. However, this is contrasted to the comparison of a one’s “own books” to “intimate friends” which powerfully underscores the personal interaction and liberty allowed by owning books. Additionally, this figurative juxtaposition not only captures the reader's attention but also prompts reflection on their own relationship with literature. Hence, while the novel comparison of books to people through simile and metaphor convey Phelps’ attitude of literature, it also emphasizes the artistic craft of his speech founded by his long love for books. His adamant view can be understood through his allusions and listing which is heard he describes the effect books have as a gateway to “converse with Socrates or Shakespeare or Carlyle or Dumas or Dickens or Shaw or Barrie or Galsworthy.” Through a polysyndetic syntax, emphasizing the effect of books as an entryway into the realm of literature, Phelps invites the reader to partake in metaphorical conversation with history's most luminary novelists. Furthermore, the use of inclusive pronoun such as "you" creates a direct rapport with the audience, compelling the American public to envision themselves actively engaging in such conversations. This book exemplifies the transformative power of literature, offering readers an opportunity not only to gain knowledge but also understand the depth of the literary landscapes awaiting exploration. Through this, one can appreciate the profound impact of this excerpt in fostering a deeper appreciation for the written word and its ability to transcend temporal and spatial boundaries.
