In his work "Hemingway's Reading, 1910-1940: An Inventory," author Michael S. Reynolds discusses the various literary influences on Ernest Hemingway. One of the notable criticisms he presents is regarding the sonnets of Edna St. Vincent Millay, which he describes as reminiscent of "a lecherous cat." This vivid imagery suggests a perception of the poetry as aggressive or overly sensual, prompting a reflection on the artistic style and emotional undertones present in Millay's writing.

This characterization of Millay’s sonnets opens a dialogue about the contrasting styles of poetry that were prevalent during Hemingway’s time. The provocative nature of Millay's work can be seen as both a challenge and an inspiration to Hemingway, who often grappled with similar themes of desire and emotional complexity in his own writing. Reynolds’ inventory serves not only as a record of Hemingway's reading habits but also as a critique of the literary landscape that influenced one of America's most prominent authors.