In “Burning a Book,” Stafford questions the public perception of peace, revealing that ignoring the ideologies counter to one’s own merely delays the unrest associated with this confrontation. Humanity’s self-censorship practices enable some forms of expression while disabling others, creating a false, unsustainable reality, privileging only one worldview out of millions (see: Further Literary Resources).

On the surface, the reader understands that book burning is a graphic censorship practice. Stafford views this act from varying perspectives: One the one hand, book burning snuffs out potentially uncomfortable truths; it is censorship, which is largely viewed as a negative thing—especially in contemporary American society. Conversely, though, Stafford argues “some books ought to burn” (Line 9) for they are filled with lies or hatred. This is a unique take on the topic, but one the reader can appreciate if reading the poem with an open mind.

Beyond the obvious theme of censorship due to book burning, Stafford’s major thematic claim lies in the notion that, while burning books has a complex and sordid history, not speaking out to share and gain knowledge (and therefore, create more books) is much worse. Stafford’s speaker warns the reader that “ignorance can dance in the absence of fire” (Line 17), meaning if books are not written, no one can read and possibly learn from them and therefore, there will be no burning.