Robert Burns Poem Analysis

Robert Burns Poetic Analysis

Robert Burns is considered one of the most influential writers in the eighteenth century. Burns is regarded as a pre-Romantic poet, which can be seen through his writing that elaborated on his sensitivity through nature, religious practice, and traditional culture during his time. Coming from a humble background made him the voice of the common Scottish man. Robert Burns was born in Scotland during a tempestuous time. There were several transitions that impacted the way of life of the Scottish. One of them was the Scottish language and culture being impacted by the English language and poetry. How important was it to keep their Scottish identity is unknown. He also tended to elaborate on the distinct social classes throughout his poems, which were evident (the changes from agricultural to Industrial). Burns’ poetry was written in his native Scottish language and English. Although his writing appears to be simpleminded, it was very pragmatic and had more to offer to the reader. He was a good casual observer, and would write with strong feeling and empathy, which are reflected in “To a Louse” and “Tam O’ Shanter” poems.

Sympathy is defined as the harmony of, or agreement in feeling, as between persons, or on the part of one person with respect to another. Robert happened to convey just that in his poem “To a Louse.” The poem is written in a six-line AAABAB rhyme scheme for each stanza. He uses Scottish colloquialism as well as some English. It is clear that in this poem there are some religious and class distinction undertones.

Burns introduces us to a louse crawling on a ladies’ bonnet in the first stanza. In lines nine and ten he states, “How daur ye set your fit upon her- Sae fine a lady?” Burns is outraged that a louse is on a pious woman. He seems to feel embarrassed for her since it looks strange that a louse would be on an elegant woman. The louse signifies the sins, or imperfections this woman has. On the outside it...