POSTILUUKULLA
by Zacharias Topelius · from Lukemisia lapsille 5
Adapted Version
One day, many people come to the post office.
"Who's there?" asks the Postman. A Boy is there. He hopes for a letter from his dad. The Postman finds a letter for him. It is a money letter! The Boy is very happy. He can buy things he needs now. He can live well for a little while.
"Who's there?" asks the Postman. A Mother is there. She misses her son. He is far away. She hopes for a letter. The Postman finds a letter for her. It has money inside! The Mother is so happy. She thanks her son with joy.
"Who's there?" asks the Postman. A Young Woman is there. She hopes for a ring from her friend. The Postman looks. He finds no letter for her. The Young Woman is sad. She cries a little.
"Who's there?" asks the Postman. A man is there. He gets a work paper. One more man is there. He gets many letters. One more man is there. He gets a pomade pot and a toy ball. One more man is there. He gets a stuffed toy pet.
"Who's there?" asks the Postman. A Little Girl is there. She is quick and happy. "Is there a package for me?" she asks. "It is from my mother!" The Postman finds her package. The Little Girl is so excited! Inside are pastries and a book. She is very happy.
The post window closes. The Postman thinks about all the people. He thinks about all the mail. Some people are happy. Some people are sad. All hope for a thing. That is okay. The Postman smiles. He is part of all their stories.
Original Story
POSTILUUKULLA.
Ken siellä? — Se on ylioppilas:
Kai kirjeen isältä saan?
— Täss' "Oppinut Herra" on päällä ja, kas,
Rahakirje se muodoltaan.
— No, elää kelpaa taas vähän aikaa;
Velalla söin mitä milloin saikaan.
Nyt tyydytän matammin,
Ja kuolevat karhutkin.
Olis kunnon isäni mieli karvas,
Jos seikat kaikki hän hiukan arvais.
Ken nyt? — Se äiti on riemuton:
Kirjettäkö pojalta?
Niin kauan poissa hän ollut on
Ja niin kovin kaukana.
— Nimenne, rouva? — Se on Johanna…
— Ei mitään. — Eikö hän mitään anna!
— Kas, tässä on "Hanna Heinonen",
Se sisältää satamarkkasen.
— Hän muistaa äitinsä! lauseheni
Sen muistatte. Siunattu poikaseni!
Ken taas? — Se hellä on impynen:
Tulin kirjettä kuulemaan.
— Omistaja? — Ulrika Virtanen.
— Ei Virtasta ollenkaan.
— Sisällä sen määrä on olla sormus,
Lähettäjä räätälin sälli Vormus…
— Ei tääll' ole, ei niin nappiakaan!
— Voi, kuinka mä sälliä uskoinkaan! —
Ja immyt kulmahan kaulahuivin
Poskelta kyynelen pyhkii kuiviin.
Ken? — Vahtimestari kanslian:
Lainhakemuskirjaa? — On tuo.
— Ken taas? — Mies Viljon & Valjakan;
— Kakstoista kirjettä, nuo!
— Ken siellä? — Herra von Uusi-Muoti:
— Pumaatapönttö ja seljaa luoti.
— Ken se? — Mies tohtori Tuitterin,
Hän saapi postissa murmelin.
— No, moista myös tulis postin tuottaa;
Ikänsä tohtori saanee vuottaa.
Vaan vihdoin niiavi tyttönen
Niin vilpas ja vikkelä:
Pakettia eiks ole minullen?
Se tulisi äidiltä.
— Mitä siinä on? — Kukapas sen tiennee?
Kai syötävää siinä jotain lienee.
— No, katsotaan, mitä siinä on!…
Saat leivoksia ja katkismon.
Nyt kukko munille rupeaapi,
Sen seikan toimehen posti saapi.
Käy kiinni luukku, ja sisään jää
Mies vaivattu, puuhaava;
Kuin mylläri, vuodesta vuoteen tää
Myös laittavi jauhoja.
Maailman puuha sen virtaa kiitää,
Maailman koukerot kulkee siitä,
Hän jauhaa kullat ja kukkaset,
Surut, murheet, sormukset, rukkaset.
Nyt katsoo koskessa uivaa kaarnaa
Hän, mailman puuhasta elävä saarna.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
At a post office window, a series of individuals approach with varied expectations. A student receives a much-needed money letter, a mother is overjoyed by a letter from her son, and a maiden is heartbroken when her expected ring doesn't arrive. Other patrons receive a range of items, from loan applications to peculiar packages. The story culminates with a young girl happily receiving pastries and a catechism. The postman, a silent observer, reflects on the endless stream of human emotions and life events that pass through his hands daily.
Themes
Emotional Arc
varied emotions of daily life
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Zacharias Topelius was a prominent Finnish writer, often considered the 'father of Finnish children's literature.' His works frequently depicted Finnish life and nature, often with a moral or reflective tone. This poem reflects a common scene in 19th-century life where the post office was a vital link to the outside world and a source of both hope and disappointment.
Plot Beats (13)
- A student approaches the post window, hoping for a letter from his father.
- He receives a money letter, which allows him to pay his debts and live comfortably for a while.
- An anxious mother, Johanna, asks for a letter from her son who has been away for a long time.
- She receives a hundred-mark letter, expressing her joy and blessing her son.
- A tender maiden, Ulrika Virtanen, expects a ring from a tailor's apprentice named Vormus.
- She receives nothing, and sadly wipes away a tear.
- A chancery caretaker receives a loan application.
- A man from Viljo & Valjakka receives twelve letters.
- Mr. von Uusi-Muoti receives a pomade pot and a bullet.
- Dr. Tuitteri's man receives a marmot, a peculiar item for the post.
- Finally, a nimble young girl asks for a package from her mother, hoping for something edible.
- She receives pastries and a catechism, bringing her simple happiness.
- The post window closes, and the postman reflects on his role in processing the endless stream of human joys, sorrows, and mundane items.
Characters
The Student
A lean young man, likely of average height, with the slightly disheveled appearance of someone who prioritizes studies and social life over meticulous grooming. His build might be slender from a student's diet.
Attire: Wears practical, somewhat worn student attire of the mid-19th century in Finland. This would include a dark wool or linen jacket, a simple waistcoat, a white linen shirt (possibly a bit rumpled), and dark trousers. His clothes, while once respectable, show signs of wear and perhaps a slight lack of care due to his financial struggles.
Wants: To sustain his student lifestyle, pay off debts, and enjoy himself, primarily through receiving money from his father.
Flaw: Lack of financial discipline and a tendency towards extravagance, leading to constant debt.
No significant arc within the short poem, but he experiences a temporary relief from financial stress.
Impulsive, financially irresponsible, somewhat self-centered, but also relieved and momentarily joyful. He is quick to spend and not overly concerned with his father's potential disapproval.
Johanna, The Mother
A woman of mature age, likely with a slightly worn appearance from a life of work and worry. Her build might be sturdy, reflecting a rural or working-class background in 19th-century Finland.
Attire: Dressed in practical, modest Finnish peasant or working-class attire of the mid-19th century. This would include a dark, long-sleeved linen or wool dress, possibly with a simple apron over it, and a plain headscarf (huivi) covering her hair. Her clothes are clean but simple, reflecting her humble status.
Wants: To receive news from her son and feel remembered and loved by him.
Flaw: Her deep emotional attachment to her son makes her vulnerable to worry and sadness when he is absent.
Experiences a shift from anxiety and longing to profound joy and gratitude upon receiving a letter and money from her son.
Loving, anxious, devoted, and deeply sentimental. Her primary concern is her son's well-being and his remembrance of her.
Ulrika Virtanen, The Maiden
A delicate young woman, likely slender and of average height, embodying youthful innocence and romantic hope.
Attire: Dressed in modest but neat attire of a young Finnish maiden from the mid-19th century. This would include a light-colored linen or cotton dress, possibly with a simple pattern, and a small, decorative neckerchief or shawl. Her clothes are clean and well-maintained, reflecting her status as a respectable young woman.
Wants: To receive a token of love (a ring) from her suitor, confirming his affection.
Flaw: Naivety and a trusting nature, making her vulnerable to disappointment and deception.
Experiences a crushing disappointment, moving from hopeful anticipation to tearful sorrow.
Hopeful, romantic, trusting, and easily heartbroken. She is deeply invested in her romantic relationship.
The Postmaster
A man of indeterminate age, likely middle-aged or older, with a weary but diligent appearance. His build might be slightly stooped from years of desk work, but he is fundamentally sturdy.
Attire: Wears the formal but practical uniform of a 19th-century Finnish postmaster. This would include a dark, well-maintained wool coat, a white shirt, and a tie or cravat. His attire is professional and somewhat austere, reflecting his public service role.
Wants: To efficiently process and distribute mail, fulfilling his role as a conduit for the world's communications.
Flaw: His detachment, while allowing him to cope with the emotional tide of his job, might also make him seem impersonal.
No personal arc, but he serves as the constant, unchanging observer through whom all other characters' mini-arcs are revealed. He is presented as a metaphor for the flow of life and human experience.
Diligent, observant, patient, and somewhat detached. He is a silent witness to the human drama unfolding before him, performing his duties with a sense of routine.
The Little Girl
A small, nimble girl, likely thin and quick in her movements, reflecting her youthful energy.
Attire: Dressed in simple, practical Finnish children's clothing of the mid-19th century. This would include a plain, light-colored linen dress, perhaps with a small apron, and sturdy shoes. Her clothes are clean but not elaborate.
Wants: To receive a package from her mother, hoping for something edible and delightful.
Flaw: Childlike impatience and a focus on immediate gratification (sweets).
Experiences a moment of pure, unadulterated joy upon receiving her package of pastries and candy.
Lively, quick, hopeful, and innocent. She is excited by the prospect of a package from her mother, especially if it contains treats.
Locations
The Post Office Window
A small, functional window or hatch, likely made of wood, through which various people interact with the postmaster. It is the focal point where hopes, anxieties, and mundane transactions converge.
Mood: Busy, expectant, sometimes hopeful, sometimes disappointing, with a sense of routine but also individual drama.
This is the central stage where all characters receive or fail to receive their mail, revealing their individual stories and emotions.
The Postmaster's Interior Office
The unseen interior space behind the post office window, where the postmaster diligently sorts and handles mail. It is a place of constant, quiet work, filled with the tools of his trade.
Mood: Diligent, routine, somewhat weary but persistent, reflecting the endless flow of human affairs.
This is where the postmaster processes the 'flour' of human life – the letters, money, rings, and packages – symbolizing the unseen labor behind the public transactions.