WILLIAM LYON PHELPS STATEMENT AFTER THE BURNING OF NON GERMAN

BOOKS IN 1933

On April 6, 1966, William Phelps delivered a controversial speech about the

fundamental role of books during a radio broadcast. The statement had created an
enormous impression. In his speech, he expressed the need for reading habits, the
need for caring books borrowed or owned, the affectionate intimacy connection you
have with books, and the way these books can offer an existential exploration of the
author and the reader himself. A short but very subjective statement, Phelps expressed
through sharing his connection with the books and how it was closely affected him. The
way Phelps used pathos is effectual in proving his points.
Moreover, the intention of the writer was understandable. The paragraphs
constructed were logical in manner. The writer used personification to connect us to the
book. That’s why, it was easy to digest every sentence, Yet, it violated a subject-verb
agreement rule. Instead of using “is” on the singular subject “living”, he used “are”
unfollowing the rule number 1, “If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.”
It does not stop only from that; the writer's excessive use of compound sentences
seems infuriating to the eyes. But, I do not care about that, what I care about was the
accessibility of thoughts of the writer’s perspective and the way he explicitly explained
his thoughts. From that way, the readers are not just reading, and the listeners are not
just listening. They have formed a visual representation of what was the writer’s
intended description.
On the bright side, like in the first sentence, “The habit of reading is one of the
greatest resources of mankind; and we enjoy reading books that belong to us much
more than if they are borrowed.” It followed the subject-verb agreement rules, “If the
subject is singular, the verb must be singular too and if the subject is plural, the verb
must be plural.” It is very important to follow and to know these rules especially when
writing.
On the other hand, the speech was short but Lyon Phelps wanted us to give a
wide impression of the book. In my opinion, reading a book is essential. It has the power
to change you and the world. It contains such insightful meanings and symbols that are
often indestructible and remains indefinitely. It has a rare personality that no other
things can exceed.
Furthermore, these books are created and wrote because the authors wanted it
for the people. For the people to have fulfillment and realizations of the world around us.
For the people to fully understand the ways of the world, and for the people to commit
with their purposes. Meanwhile, in this technologically driven society, more books are
available online. But, as I observed, people are depreciating books since we have
internet now that can give almost the information needed.
 In the end, literature is the immortal part of history. Books serve as a human
board of expression and should be appreciated as a living art that fundamentally plays
an important role in our human condition. Reading should be manifested in any race,
language, or background. It is important in knowing different aspects of culture, race,
and philosophies. We should appreciate every book as much as we appreciate our self.

Reference:
The History Place Great Speeches Collection. Sept. 21, 2020.
URL:https://www.historyplace.com/speeches/phelps.htm

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules. Academic Guides Waiden University. Sept. 21, 2020
URL:https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammar/subjectverbagr
eement