Collecting

What do you think of this collection - good fun, or just silly? Do you collect anything, and if so, why? What sort of things do people collect? Which collections are cheap and which can be expensive (many, like stamps or antiques, can be both; autographs are cheap if you get them personally, expensive if you buy them - works of art can cost millions)? What is an obsession (excessive preoccupation; often harmless, but debilitating on an abnormal scale, like washing hands every few minutes; regarded as positive in a scientist, sports performer, or author)?

Gnomes

Think of other names of small mythical creatures (elves, hobgoblins, leprechauns, fairies, Smurfs). Why are children and adults fascinated by them (small, lovable characters, make us feel protective, but also supposed to protect us, traditionally guarding treasure; usually portrayed as old, very wise, or amusing and good natured, occasionally sinister)? Why do people put them in front of their house, or in their garden (long history of statuary, like gargoyles, to entertain, guard property, drive away evil forces; feeling of companionship)? Invent a fictitious humanoid creature; give it a personal or genre name (eg “Kedro”, “Sintra”, “Thoobs”, “Imbats”) and describe its history, characteristics and adventures.

Eccentrics

The man in the picture is a true British eccentric, so what is “eccentricity” (means literally “out of the centre”, so is applied to people who are unusual and offbeat)? Think of a type of person and imagine what an eccentric version might do, such as an eccentric millionaire, politician, artist, inventor, or teacher. Is eccentricity always demented? To be truly creative you often have to be “out of the centre”, otherwise you simply reproduce what everybody else has done. It took eccentricity, for example, to invent a wind-up radio and computer, so millions of people in poor and remote areas can benefit from modern communications.

Writing

(a) Write a story about a gnome who meets a group of children (who are they, what happens?); (b) describe a collection you have seen, saying whose it was, its contents and what you remember most about it.

Ted Wragg is professor of education at Exeter University

TALKING POINTS

Collecting things is pointless and wasteful, isn’t it?

For

People who collect are obsessive, so it becomes costly. Many collections take up considerable space in the home. The hobby is often private and anti-social, consuming time that could be spent with friends and family. There is no purpose to it; collections are pointless clutter.

Against

Collecting is educational, as people may learn about aspects of history or other cultures. It is a harmless hobby that brings satisfaction and develops positive qualities, such as persistence and orderliness. Friends and family can enjoy and admire someone’s collection, often joining in. The best collections go on public display, so all can benefit.