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Poem of the Month |
As Webmaster, I have received a number of requests (presumably from students)
for analyses of Burns's poems. While it is not part of the charter of The
Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee to do research for others, I think it is
reasonable to point such requests in the right direction. So, for January,
2000 I am submitting a Poem of the Month Twofer:
A Red, Red Rose and
Banks O' Doon.
A Red, Red Rose
I have received a number of requests for explanations into the meaning of Burns's A Red, Red Rose. These requests suprised me a bit, since the poem is to my eyes one of Burns's more transparent. However, I'll pass along some comments contained in Alan Bold's A Burns Companion:
"What sounds like a simple love song gains power from its apparant effortless synthesis of argument and anticipation. The first six lines, relying on statements that will countenance no contradiction, dissolve into a prediction of the longevity of this love. Remarkably, the imagery of the seas drying up and the rocks melting in the sun is a prophecy that has gained scientific authority since the song was written... It is an astonishing love that measures its life against the ability of the earth to endure.
"The final quatrain is equally intense though it looks back to an indigenous tradition rather than forward to the destiny of the planet. What is meant by the promise to 'come again' is a determination to defeat death by spiritual means. In the Scottish folk tradition ... lovers return to their sweethearts after death, especially after dying at some distance from Scotland..." 1
So there! Even a straight-forward love song contains substantial grist
for the academic mill. It should be remembered that Burns's more
important contribution was the nearly single-handed rescue of the Scottish
folk song tradition (more aptly described in the
Burns Biography
contained in our Site). Thanks to Club president Linda Daly for
passing along Bold's comments.
Banks O' Doon
I suppose I can understand this song being a little confusing without knowing the "back story". Banks O' Doon is another example of the Scots ability to celebrate a tragedy with a gentle and beautiful song. This particular tragedy is the story of a fair maiden who gave her love to a young laird who turned out to be a scoundrel and who abandoned her after having his way with her. The maiden then committed suicide.
What fascinates me about "Banks O' Doon" is that three of Burns's versions have been passed down. Version 1 and Version 2 give stronger hints to the song's protagonist and her fate; version 3 is the one most of us know. And, version 3 is the better song, with its message of despair more oblique among the placid imagery of the river Doon, the birds chirping and the fragrant flowers blooming.
References:
1) Bold, Alan, A Burns Companion, St. Martin's
Press, NYC, 1991, p334
| --David M. Arnold, December 1999 |