Aubrey Bell

Aubrey Bell is another important character in Raymond Carver’s short story “Collectors”. He introduces himself as a vacuum-cleaner salesman who is meant to offer a free cleaning as a prize for Mrs. Slater. However, Bell might be a debt collector, which could be seen from some of his actions. Bell appears sick (p. 79, ll. 29-31), but this might also be a lie. 

Bell’s outer characterization is created through the narrator’s words, who describes him as “an old guy, fat and bulky under his raincoat” (p. 78, l. 25) with matted hair, and a visible ring around his head made by his hat (p. 79, ll. 27-28). Bell wears galoshes, but also has a pair of slippers underneath (p. 79, ll. 14-15). He apparently sweats a lot (p. 82, ll. 31-32), and the narrator emphasizes his weight more than once, probably suggesting his dislike of Bell. 

Bell’s behavior portrays him as rude, persistent, and intrusive. He insists on carrying out the free cleaning, despite the narrator’s request for him to leave (p. 81, ll. 3-5). Bell enters the narrator’s bedroom (which many consider a private space) without asking for permission. He also seems to wan...