Here's why:
* Berenice's disappearance: The poem opens with Egaeus mourning the disappearance of Berenice, his cousin. This loss is described as a "deep and abiding sorrow," hinting at a profound emotional attachment.
* Seeking solace: Egaeus seeks refuge from his grief in the library. This act suggests an attempt to escape the painful reality of his loss and find solace in the intellectual world.
* Obsessive behavior: The poem focuses on Egaeus's deteriorating mental state, suggesting a possible obsession with Berenice's memory. He fixates on her physical features, particularly her teeth.
* Symbolism of the library: The library can be interpreted as a space for both intellectual exploration and isolation. Egaeus's confinement in this space reflects his inability to cope with his grief and the potential descent into madness.
Ultimately, the poem leaves the exact reason for Egaeus's library obsession open to interpretation. However, it strongly suggests that his grief and fixation on Berenice are the driving forces behind his prolonged confinement within its walls.