A Portrait by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: A Portrait
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work presents a reflective and critical exploration of the speaker's identity and existence. The speaker likens themselves to a lowly creature, suggesting a sense of inferiority and a lack of respectability. This self-deprecating tone is evident in the imagery of being a "farthing dip," which implies a dim and insignificant light, and a "blue-behinded ape," indicating a playful yet crude nature. The speaker's presence at "mankind's feast" symbolizes a societal gathering where they feel out of place, embodying a duality of being both a participant and an outsider. The act of taking a solemn position while simultaneously defiling the dinner plate highlights a conflict between appearance and reality, suggesting hypocrisy in social interactions. The phrase "the smiler with the knife" introduces a darker aspect of the speaker's character, hinting at a predatory nature that thrives on the misfortunes of others. This self-awareness leads to a contemplation of mortality, questioning whether a life filled with such rancor is worth living. Despite the grim self-assessment, there is an underlying affection for the chaotic and vibrant aspects of life. The speaker expresses a desire to engage with the world, reveling in the freedom of movement and the thrill of existence, even in a state of irreverence. The imagery of swinging by their tail in "the most holy place" suggests a rejection of societal norms and an embrace of a more primal, instinctual existence. The conclusion anticipates a moment of reckoning, where the speaker's life may come to an end at the hands of a "sportsman." This moment is framed as a release, with the world expressing relief at the speaker's departure. The final lines encapsulate a complex relationship with life and death, blending resignation with a hint of defiance. Overall, the work delves into themes of identity, societal roles, and the tension between self-perception and external judgment, all while maintaining a tone that oscillates between humor and existential reflection.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Philosophical · 197 words

First lines

I AM a kind of farthing dip, Unfriendly to the nose and eyes; A blue-behinded ape, I skip Upon the trees of Paradise.

At mankind's feast, I take my place In solemn, sanctimonious state, And have the air of saying grace While I defile the dinner plate.

I am "the smiler with the knife," The battener upon garbage, I- Dear Heaven, with such a rancid life, Were it not better far to die?

Yet still, about the human pale, I love to scamper, love to race, To swing by my irreverent tail All over the most holy place;

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A Portrait is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Philosophical, Humor, Nature
Length: 197 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
Satire — The poem critiques human behavior and societal norms through humor and irony.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, identity, and the human condition.
Humor — The use of wit and absurdity in the portrayal of the speaker's perspective adds a humorous element.