Zadie Smith's Article Summary

Libraries have been around for centuries, serving as places of wonder for children and as quiet sanctuaries for adults. The age of technology, however, has been quite detrimental for these places; shelves of books have been replaced by screens, and librarians have been replaced by search engines. There are some who wholeheartedly wish to preserve libraries, and the author of this article is one. Zadie Smith argues for the conservation of libraries and, throughout the writing, utilizes many literary devices to support and strengthen her claims.
One very prominent device that is copiously used in the reading is word choice. Smith uses higher-level vocabulary and phrasing in nearly every paragraph, but the introduction is where word choice plays

a preeminent role. The author, in the fifth sentence, states, “... ‘the Internet’ is no more a solution than it is their universal death knell.” The words “universal death knell” effectively depict Smith’s opinion regarding the Internet. She portrays libraries as if they are a dying breed on the endangered species list and that the Internet is responsible. Whereas many people may view the Internet as something that is making like easier by giving easy access to things like books, Smith desires to make people see it as something negative and uses phrases like this to communicate that aspect of her argument. This kind of wording clearly demonstrates her argument to her readers, and by degrading the combatant, she strengthens her own claims. Additionally, she targets not only the Internet but those who seek the destruction of libraries in search of profit; she does this by writing, “...Willesden Green is being mutilated...because members of the council see the opportunity for a sweet real estate deal.” The words “mutilation” and “sweet” are not typically used in the same sentence, as their definitions are drastically different, but that is what makes the wording so eye-catching. If someone reads the word mutilation, he or she will most likely think of something evil and cruel because that is what that word connotes; this helps Smith portray the council members to the readers the same way she sees them. She passive-aggressively addresses a major reason that libraries are being demolished in the hopes that it will get more people to see her side, and those words aid her in doing so.
Another device that is essential to Smith’s argument is emotional appeal.

Her main goal throughout the passage was to connect emotionally with both her supporters and opponents. In the fourth paragraph, Smith attempts to communicate with her money-craving adversaries by stating several times in different ways that most people want more from life than money and machinery. She writes, “We’re humans, not robots… the only thing left… on the street that doesn’t want either your soul or your wallet.” Libraries are one of the few types of nonprofit public organizations, and those in favor of keeping them wish to inform the opposers of how much they cherish the fact that they can read and check out books for free; they desire knowledge and physical connection more than money and easy access, and that is the major thing Smith communicates through those statements. Making those who only see one side- their side- of the controversy to see the other’s view points is her main goal accomplished through the use of that appeal. Additionally, the last two lines of the passage were an extremely powerful use of this appeal; Smith uses a number of questions to really portray the feelings she and her supporters have. She articulates the utter sadness she and many others feel over the demise of their beloved buildings and the defeat that feels imminent but is not acquiesced. Smith wished to communicate these feelings to not only her supporters, but those she is arguing against; they are hurt and

unhappy because of these decisions. This seems to have been done to draw sympathy and play on the emotions and integrity of those responsible for the ailing conflict and, therefore, progress her goals.
Although not used as much as the latter two devices, imagery greatly enhances the writing.

The author uses vivid descriptions and scenarios to draw the audience in and keep their attention by allowing them to envision themselves in the situations she described. On example of this is where Smith states, “Some are primarily for children or primarily for students, or the general public, primarily full of books or microfilms… with a café in the basement or a market out front.” This statement demonstrates the diversity of libraries and how each one is unique and suited for a variety of people. This reinforces her earlier point that libraries are not being closed because they are unpopular, as they are made to suit the needs and interest of everyone; they are being rendered defunct simply because they are not profitable. This plays more to her side of the argument than it does the other, by asking them to picture what they love about their library and to express it for others to consider; if Smith can get her followers to do this, then she can strengthen the basis of her argument. Furthermore, a more emotionally-tugging example of imagery comes in the fourth paragraph; Smith addresses her understanding of the opposing argument by stating the following: “We get that money is tight… and that [libraries] are not hospital beds and classroom size.” Most people, no matter their origins or financial backgrounds, can picture a hospital room or a classroom that isn’t quite up to par, and

many have memories- typically negative ones- connected with those places, as well. This statement is meant to communicate understanding of the fact that they know there are more pressing matters than libraries, but also to demonstrate that, even though there are more important things, libraries still matter. Smith’s use of imagery could almost all be used as emotional appeal, but the vivid descriptions she creates make the emotional strength all the more powerful.
Overall, Zadie Smith’s usage of literary devices aids her in making the argument for the preservation of libraries. Her spectacular use of word choice, emotional appeal and imagery strengthen her claims and really tie her article together. Libraries are dying out, and Smith’s argument may just make a difference.