'Window Shopper' by Robert Service
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I stood before a candy shop
Which with a Christmas radiance shone;
I saw my parents pass and stop
To grin at me and then go on.
The sweets were heaped in gleamy rows;
On each I feasted - what a game!
Against the glass with flatted nose,
Gulping my spittle as it came;
So still I stood, and stared and dreamed,
Savouring sweetness with my eyes,
Devouring dainties till it seemed
My candy shop was paradise.
I had, I think, but five years old,
And though three-score and ten have passed,
I still recall the craintive cold,
The grimy street, the gritty blast;
And how I stared into that shop,
Its gifts so near and yet so far,
Of marzipan and toffee drop,
Of chocolate and walnut bar;
Imagining what I would buy
Amid delights so rich and rare . . .
The glass was misted with my sigh:
"If just one penny Pop could spare!"
And then when I went home to tea
Of bread and butter sparsely spread,
Oh, how my parents twitted me:
"You stood for full an hour," they said.
"We saw you as we passed again;
Your eyes upon the sweets were glued;
Your nose was flattened to the pane,
Like someone hypnotized you stood."
But when they laughed as at a joke,
A bitterness I could not stem
Within my little heart awoke. . . .
Oh, I have long forgiven them;
For though I know they did no own
Pennies to spare, they might, it seems
More understanding love have shown
More sympathy for those vain dreams,
Which make of me with wistful gaze
God's Window Shopper all days.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Window Shopper: A Deep Dive into Robert Service's Poem
Oh, Window Shopper, what a delightful poem to explore! Written by Robert Service, one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, this poem has captured the hearts of many readers for its vivid descriptions, relatable themes, and powerful imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand why it has remained so popular over the years.
The Structure of Window Shopper
At first glance, Window Shopper appears to follow a simple structure: four stanzas of six lines each, with rhyming patterns that alternate between ABABCC and AABBCC. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that there is more to this poem than meets the eye.
For one thing, the ABABCC and AABBCC rhyming patterns create an interesting contrast that mirrors the poem's central theme: the tension between desire and reality. The ABABCC pattern has a more formal, traditional feeling to it, while the AABBCC pattern feels more whimsical and carefree. This juxtaposition reflects the speaker's conflicting emotions as they wander through the shop windows, torn between the desire for material possessions and the awareness of their own limitations.
Another notable aspect of the poem's structure is its use of repetition. The phrase "I window-shop as I walk by" appears at the beginning of the first three stanzas, emphasizing the speaker's habit of observing without engaging. However, in the fourth stanza, the repetition is broken with the line "So I go inside to buy." This sudden shift in pattern underscores the poem's central message: that ultimately, we must act on our desires if we want to achieve them.
The Language of Window Shopper
One of the most striking features of Window Shopper is Service's use of vivid, sensory language to create a detailed picture of the speaker's surroundings. The first stanza, for example, features a series of images that appeal to the senses:
The mannequins in the store-fronts Are posing like actors on stage, For they're wearing the latest creations From Paris, or London, or Hague. How sleek are their lines! How urbane Their gestures of fashion and pride!
These lines not only describe the mannequins, but also convey the speaker's awe and admiration for them. The words "sleek," "urbane," and "pride" all have positive connotations that suggest the speaker sees the mannequins as symbols of sophistication and elegance.
Throughout the poem, Service uses language to create a sense of contrast between the world of the window displays and the speaker's own reality. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker notes that "The fur coats are soft and luxurious, / And the silk scarves are works of art," but then adds, "But I have no money to spend." This contrast between luxury and poverty highlights the speaker's sense of longing and frustration, as well as the societal pressures that can make us feel inadequate if we cannot afford certain things.
The Themes of Window Shopper
At its core, Window Shopper is a poem about desire and the tension between what we want and what we can realistically attain. The speaker's habit of window shopping reflects a universal human experience: we all have dreams and aspirations that may be out of reach, but we still enjoy imagining what it would be like to have them.
However, the poem also suggests that there is a danger in letting our desires go unfulfilled. The final stanza, in which the speaker decides to go inside and buy something, implies that taking action is the key to achieving our goals. While it is important to be realistic about what we can afford and what is truly important to us, we must also be willing to take risks and pursue our passions if we want to live fulfilling lives.
Another theme that emerges in Window Shopper is the role of material possessions in our lives. While the speaker is clearly drawn to the luxurious items on display in the shop windows, their inability to afford them forces them to question whether these objects are truly worth the price. The poem suggests that while material possessions can bring us pleasure and satisfaction, they should not be the sole focus of our lives. Rather, we should strive for a balance between our desires and our practical needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Window Shopper is a beautifully crafted poem that offers insights into the human experience of desire and the role of material possessions in our lives. Through its use of vivid language, striking imagery, and thoughtful structure, the poem captures the reader's attention and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a casual reader, Window Shopper is a poem that is sure to delight and inspire.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Window Shopper: A Poem of Yearning and Regret
Robert Service’s Window Shopper is a classic poem that captures the essence of human longing and regret. Written in the early 20th century, the poem tells the story of a man who spends his days wandering the streets, gazing longingly at the objects in the shop windows but never daring to enter and make a purchase. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service paints a picture of a man trapped in his own desires, unable to break free and live a fulfilling life.
The poem begins with a description of the man’s daily routine:
“Outside the window stood the pine, A tall and stately sentinel; Within, a maid of corn and wine Poured to a guest a goblet full.”
Here, Service sets the scene, describing the man’s surroundings and the contrast between his mundane existence and the luxurious life he longs for. The pine tree outside represents the man’s isolation and loneliness, while the maid pouring wine symbolizes the pleasures he yearns for but can never attain.
As the poem continues, the man’s yearning becomes more intense:
“With hungry eyes he scanned the street, The shops with tempting treasures stored; He longed to taste of every sweet, But lacked the courage to come aboard.”
Here, Service uses powerful imagery to convey the man’s desire for material possessions. The shops represent the objects of his desire, while the sweets symbolize the pleasures he craves. However, despite his intense longing, the man is unable to take action and enter the shops. This lack of courage is a recurring theme throughout the poem, highlighting the man’s fear of failure and rejection.
As the poem progresses, the man’s regret becomes more palpable:
“His life was like a window pane, Through which he saw but dimly blurred The moving, murmuring life outside, Where all was beautiful and absurd.”
Here, Service uses a powerful metaphor to describe the man’s life. The window pane represents his limited perspective, while the blurred images outside symbolize the beauty and chaos of the world he longs to be a part of. The phrase “beautiful and absurd” captures the paradoxical nature of life, highlighting the man’s sense of longing and confusion.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant:
“And so he lived, and so he died, With dreams and longings unfulfilled; He never dared, he never tried, He never knew what life could yield.”
Here, Service delivers a powerful message about the consequences of inaction. The man’s dreams and longings remain unfulfilled, and he dies without ever experiencing the joys and sorrows of life. The phrase “he never knew what life could yield” is particularly poignant, highlighting the tragedy of a life unfulfilled.
In conclusion, Window Shopper is a classic poem that captures the essence of human longing and regret. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Robert Service paints a picture of a man trapped in his own desires, unable to break free and live a fulfilling life. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of taking action and pursuing our dreams. As Service writes, “he never dared, he never tried” – let us not make the same mistake.
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