'Stamp Collector' by Robert Service

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My worldly wealth I hoard in albums three,
My life collection of rare postage stamps;
My room is cold and bare as you can see,
My coat is old and shabby as a tramp's;
Yet more to me than balances in banks,
My albums three are worth a million francs.

I keep them in that box beside my bed,
For who would dream such treasures it could hold;
But every day I take them out and spread
Each page, to gloat like miser o'er his gold:
Dearer to me than could be child or wife,
I would defend them with my very life.

They are my very life, for every night
over my catalogues I pore and pore;
I recognize rare items with delight,
Nothing I read but philatelic lore;
And when some specimen of choice I buy,
In all the world there's none more glad than I.

Behold my gem, my British penny black;
To pay its price I starved myself a year;
And many a night my dinner I would lack,
But when I bought it, oh, what radiant cheer!
Hitler made war that day - I did not care,
So long as my collection he would spare.

Look - my triangular Cape of Good Hope.
To purchase it I had to sell my car.
Now in my pocket for some sous I grope
To pay my omnibus when home is far,
And I am cold and hungry and footsore,
In haste to add some beauty to my store.

This very day, ah, what a joy was mine,
When in a dingy dealer's shop I found
This franc vermillion, eighteen forty-nine . . .
How painfully my heart began to pound!
(It's weak they say), I paid the modest price
And tremblingly I vanished in a trice.

But oh, my dream is that some day of days,
I might discover a Mauritius blue,
poking among the stamp-bins of the quais;
Who knows! They say there are but two;
Yet if a third one I should spy,
I think - God help me! I should faint and die. . . .

Poor Monsieur Pns, he's cold and dead,
One of those stamp-collecting cranks.
His garret held no crust of bread,
But albums worth a million francs.
on them his income he would spend,
By philatelic frenzy driven:
What did it profit in the end. . .
You can't take stamps to Heaven.

Editor 1 Interpretation

“Stamp Collector” by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever come across a poem that speaks to you in a way that you cannot explain? A poem that seems to have been written exclusively for you? Such is the case with Robert Service’s “Stamp Collector.”

As I read through this timeless masterpiece, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the protagonist, the stamp collector. I found myself nodding along as the poet described the collector’s passion for stamps and the lengths he goes to add to his collection. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to this story than just a man and his stamps.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbolism, and various literary devices used in “Stamp Collector” to uncover the deeper meaning behind this seemingly simple poem.

Summary of “Stamp Collector”

Before we dive into the analysis, let’s start with a brief summary of the poem.

“Stamp Collector” tells the story of a man who is passionate about collecting stamps. He spends his days searching for rare stamps, and his collection is his most prized possession. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the collector’s obsession with stamps has come at a cost. He has alienated himself from society and become a lonely figure, isolated from the world around him.

Themes in “Stamp Collector”

At its core, “Stamp Collector” is a poem about obsession and the price one pays for pursuing a singular passion. The poem explores the theme of obsession in great detail, showing how the collector’s passion for stamps has become an all-consuming force in his life.

However, the poem also touches on other themes such as loneliness, isolation, and the human need for connection. The collector’s obsession with stamps has led him to become a solitary figure, alienated from the world around him. He has sacrificed human connection in pursuit of his passion, and the poem shows us the consequence of this choice.

Symbolism in “Stamp Collector”

One of the most striking features of “Stamp Collector” is the use of symbolism throughout the poem. The most obvious symbol is, of course, the stamps themselves. The collector’s obsession with these small pieces of paper represents his desire for something tangible and concrete in his life. Stamps represent a sense of order and control, something that the collector craves in a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable.

Another symbol used in the poem is the image of the collector’s empty house. The emptiness of his home represents the loneliness and isolation that the collector has brought upon himself. The house is described as “lonely as a tomb,” highlighting the fact that the collector’s passion for stamps has come at the cost of his human connection.

Literary Devices in “Stamp Collector”

“Stamp Collector” is a masterclass in the use of literary devices to convey meaning and emotion. Here are a few examples of the various literary devices used in the poem:

• Imagery: Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the collector’s world. We see the collector “poring over albums,” “sorting and sifting,” and “eyeing his prize.” These images help to bring the poem to life and make the collector’s passion feel real and tangible.
• Metaphor: The poem is filled with metaphors that help to convey the deeper meaning behind the collector’s obsession. For example, the collector is described as a “fakir” who is “lost in his ritual.” This metaphor compares the collector to a religious ascetic, someone who has sacrificed everything in pursuit of a higher purpose.
• Irony: Service also employs irony throughout the poem to great effect. The collector’s passion for stamps has led him to become a collector of people as well, but in a negative way. He has become a collector of “fear” and “distrust” rather than the human connection he craves.
• Repetition: The repetition of certain words and phrases throughout the poem helps to reinforce the themes and symbolism. For example, the phrase “all he had” is repeated several times, emphasizing the collector’s singular focus on his stamps to the exclusion of all else.

Interpretation of “Stamp Collector”

So what is the deeper meaning behind “Stamp Collector”? At its core, the poem is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession. The collector’s passion for stamps has led him to become a lonely and isolated figure, cut off from the world around him. He has sacrificed human connection in pursuit of his passion, and the result is a life that is ultimately unfulfilling.

However, there is also a sense of admiration in the poem. The collector’s passion for stamps is described in such vivid detail that it is impossible not to be impressed by his dedication and devotion. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and competing demands on our time, there is something admirable about someone who can focus so completely on a single pursuit.

Ultimately, “Stamp Collector” is a poem that challenges us to consider the balance between passion and obsession. It reminds us of the importance of human connection and the danger of sacrificing that connection in pursuit of our passions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Stamp Collector” is a masterful poem that uses themes, symbolism, and literary devices to convey a powerful message about the dangers of obsession. The collector’s passion for stamps is both admirable and cautionary, reminding us of the importance of finding a balance between our passions and our human connections. As I read through this poem, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the collector and his struggle. It is a testament to the power of poetry that a single piece of writing can evoke such a strong emotional response.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Stamp Collector: A Poem of Passion and Obsession

Robert Service's "Stamp Collector" is a classic poem that captures the passion and obsession of a collector. The poem tells the story of a man who is consumed by his love for stamps, and the lengths he will go to in order to acquire them. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service creates a portrait of a man who is driven by his passion, and who will stop at nothing to satisfy his desire.

The poem begins with a description of the man's collection, which is "a treasure trove of rare and curious stamps." The language here is rich and evocative, conjuring up images of exotic stamps from far-off lands. The man's collection is not just a hobby, but a source of pride and joy. He is "proud as any king" of his stamps, and takes great pleasure in showing them off to others.

But the man's obsession with stamps goes beyond mere collecting. He is willing to do whatever it takes to acquire new stamps for his collection, even if it means "robbing a mailman's sack." This line is particularly striking, as it suggests that the man's passion has crossed a line into criminal behavior. He is no longer just a collector, but a thief who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the man's obsession begins to consume him. He becomes "a slave to his desire," and spends all his time and money on stamps. He neglects his family and friends, and even loses his job because of his obsession. The language here is powerful and emotive, conveying the depth of the man's passion and the toll it has taken on his life.

Despite the man's descent into madness, there is still a sense of admiration for his passion. Service writes that "his heart was in his hobby," and that he was "happy as a king." There is a sense that the man's obsession has given him a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he could not find elsewhere. This is a common theme in literature and art, where passion and obsession are often portrayed as sources of inspiration and creativity.

The poem ends with a haunting image of the man's death, surrounded by his beloved stamps. He dies "with a smile on his lips," happy in the knowledge that his collection will live on. This final image is both tragic and beautiful, capturing the power of passion and the price that must sometimes be paid for it.

Overall, "Stamp Collector" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the passion and obsession of a collector. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service creates a portrait of a man who is driven by his desire for stamps, and who will stop at nothing to acquire them. The poem is a testament to the power of passion, and a warning of the dangers that can come with obsession.

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