'The Buyers' by Robert Service
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Father drank himself to death,--
Quite enjoyed it.
Urged to draw a sober breath
He'd avoid it.
'Save your sympathy,' said Dad;
'Never sought it.
Hob-nail liver, gay and glad,
Sure,--I bought it.'
Uncle made a heap of dough,
Ponies playing.
'Easy come and easy go,'
Was his saying.
Though he died in poverty
Fit he thought it,
Grinning with philosophy:
'Guess I bought it.'
Auntie took the way of sin,
Seeking pleasure;
Lovers came, her heart to win,
Bringing treasure.
Sickness smote,--with lips that bled
Brave she fought it;
Smiling on her dying bed:
'Dears, I bought it.'
My decades of life are run,
Eight precisely;
Yet I've lost a lot of fun
Living wisely.
Too much piety don't pay,
Time has taught it;
Hadn't guts to go astray;
Life's a bloody bore today,--
Well, I've bought it.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Buyers: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
The Buyers, a poem by Robert Service, has become an iconic work of literature that delves into the fascinating world of auctions and collectors. Published in 1916, the poem tells the story of an auction in which various bidders compete to acquire a valuable painting. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, Service creates a captivating narrative that explores the human desire to possess beauty and power.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, symbols, and literary techniques used in The Buyers to understand the poem's deeper meaning and significance. From the opening lines to the final stanza, we will unpack the layers of meaning embedded in this masterful work of narrative poetry.
The Power of Beauty and Wealth
At its core, The Buyers is a poem about the human desire to possess beauty and wealth. The painting up for auction is described in striking detail, with Service using rich imagery to convey its beauty and value. The painting is described as a "pearl of price" and a "rare and radiant gem," emphasizing its uniqueness and rarity.
The buyers themselves are a diverse group of people, each with their own motivations and desires. There is the "sensual millionaire" who seeks to possess the painting as a status symbol, as well as the "passionate poet" who sees in the painting a source of inspiration and creativity. The "shrewd collector" is motivated by the potential financial gain the painting could bring, while the "simple art-lover" is moved purely by the painting's aesthetic qualities.
In this way, Service uses the auction as a microcosm of human desire, with each buyer representing a different aspect of the human condition. The poem suggests that the desire for beauty and wealth is a fundamental aspect of our nature, and that this desire can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Throughout The Buyers, Service uses a variety of symbols and metaphors to create deeper meaning and layers of interpretation. For example, the painting itself can be seen as a symbol of beauty and value, representing the very thing that the buyers are seeking to possess. The painting is described as a "star that shone afar," suggesting that it holds a special significance and draws the attention of all who behold it.
Another important symbol in the poem is the auctioneer, who is described as a "Chanticleer" and a "Cock of the Walk." This metaphor suggests that the auctioneer holds a position of power and authority, and that he is in control of the proceedings. It also implies that the buyers are like chickens, squawking and fighting over the scraps thrown to them by the auctioneer.
The metaphor of the buyers as chickens is further reinforced by Service's use of animal imagery. The buyers are described as "hawks" and "vultures," emphasizing their predatory nature and their willingness to do whatever it takes to acquire the painting. This animal imagery creates a sense of danger and desperation, as if the buyers are in a life-and-death struggle for survival.
Structure and Rhythm
One of the most striking aspects of The Buyers is its structure and rhythm. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with each line containing eight syllables. This creates a sense of musicality and flow, with the lines bouncing back and forth like a tennis match.
Service also uses repetition and refrains to create a sense of unity and cohesion. The phrase "Who'll buy? Who'll buy?" is repeated throughout the poem, acting as a kind of chorus that ties the different stanzas together. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the auctioneer is constantly egging on the buyers to bid higher and higher.
The rhythm and structure of the poem also serve to create a sense of tension and release. The poem builds to a climax as the bidding becomes more frenzied, with the final stanza serving as a kind of denouement in which the buyers and the auctioneer are left to contemplate the aftermath of the auction.
The Human Condition
At its heart, The Buyers is a poem about the human condition, and the desire for beauty, power, and wealth that lies within us all. The poem suggests that this desire can be both alluring and dangerous, as the buyers risk losing their sense of self and becoming consumed by their desire for the painting.
However, the poem also suggests that there is something noble in this desire, as the buyers are driven by a passion and a love for beauty that transcends mere material gain. The passion and creativity of the poet, the shrewdness and intelligence of the collector, and the simple appreciation of the art lover all speak to the power of beauty to move and inspire us.
In this way, The Buyers is a poem that speaks to the fundamental aspects of the human condition: our desire for beauty, our need for connection and community, and our thirst for power and control. It is a work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, nearly a century after it was written.
In Conclusion
The Buyers is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that explores the human desire to possess beauty and wealth. Through vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and a sense of musicality and flow, Robert Service creates a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of the human condition.
The poem suggests that the desire for beauty and wealth is a fundamental aspect of our nature, and that this desire can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It also suggests that there is something noble in this desire, as it speaks to our love of beauty and our desire to connect with something greater than ourselves.
Overall, The Buyers is a work of literature that deserves to be studied and appreciated for its depth, complexity, and enduring relevance.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Buyers: A Poem of Human Nature
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his masterful use of language and his ability to capture the essence of human nature in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, The Buyers, is a testament to his skill as a poet and his understanding of the human psyche.
The Buyers is a poem that explores the complex relationship between buyers and sellers, and the power dynamics that exist between them. The poem is set in a market where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods and services. The poem begins with the narrator describing the scene at the market, where buyers and sellers are haggling over prices and trying to get the best deal.
The poem is written in a narrative style, with the narrator describing the scene in vivid detail. The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, yet it is powerful in its ability to convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between buyers and sellers. In the first stanza, the narrator describes the buyers as they enter the market, eager to find the best deals. The buyers are described as being shrewd and cunning, always looking for ways to get the best deal.
The second stanza focuses on the sellers, who are described as being equally shrewd and cunning. The sellers are depicted as being skilled at their craft, able to manipulate the buyers into paying more than they should. The language used in this stanza is particularly powerful, as it conveys the sense of power that the sellers hold over the buyers.
In the final stanza, the narrator reflects on the relationship between buyers and sellers, and the power dynamics that exist between them. The narrator suggests that the buyers and sellers are engaged in a never-ending cycle of manipulation and deception, each trying to gain the upper hand over the other.
The poem is a powerful commentary on human nature, and the ways in which we interact with each other in the marketplace. It highlights the complex power dynamics that exist between buyers and sellers, and the ways in which we use our skills and abilities to gain an advantage over others.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. The narrator uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the market, and the characters that inhabit it. The use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the emotions and thoughts of the characters, and in highlighting the power dynamics that exist between them.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of language. The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, yet it is powerful in its ability to convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters. The use of repetition is particularly effective in conveying the sense of power that the sellers hold over the buyers.
In conclusion, The Buyers is a powerful poem that explores the complex relationship between buyers and sellers, and the power dynamics that exist between them. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the essence of human nature in his works. The poem is a timeless commentary on human nature, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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