'Rigs O' Barley, The' by Robert Burns
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It was upon a Lammas night,
When corn rigs are bonnie,
Beneath the moon's unclouded light,
I held away to Annie:
The time flew by wi' tentless heed
Till 'tween the late and early,
Wi' sma' persuasion, she agreed
To see me thro' the barley.
Corn rigs, an' barley rigs,
An' corn rigs are bonnie:
I'll ne'er forget that happy night,
Amang the rigs wi' Annie.
The sky was blue, the wind was still,
The moon was shining clearly:
I set her down, wi' right good will,
Amang the rigs o' barley:
I ken't her heart was a' my ain:
I lov'd her most sincerely;
I kiss'd her owre and owre again,
Amang the rigs o' barley.
Corn rigs...
I lock'd her in my fond embrace;
Her heart was beating rarely:
My blessings on that happy place,
Amang the rigs o' barley!
But by the moon and stars so bright,
That shone that hour so clearly!
She aye shall bless that happy night,
Amang the rigs o' barley.
Corn rigs...
I ha'e been blythe wi' comrades dear;
I ha'e been merry drinkin';
I ha'e been joyfu' gatherin' gear;
I ha'e been happy thinkin':
But a' the pleasures e'er I saw,
Tho' three times doubled fairly,
That happy night was worth then a',
Amang the rigs o' barley.
Corn rigs...
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rigs O' Barley: A Masterpiece of Robert Burns
Robert Burns, the celebrated Scottish poet, has left behind a rich legacy of works that continue to inspire readers and enthusiasts alike. His poems, steeped in the Scottish dialect and folklore, are an insight into the life and times of the people of Scotland in the late 18th century. One such poem is "Rigs O' Barley," a masterful piece that showcases Burns' lyrical finesse and his ability to capture the essence of a moment.
Background and Context
Before diving into an analysis of the poem, it is important to understand the context and background in which it was written. Burns lived in a time of great social and economic upheaval in Scotland. The country was transitioning from an agrarian economy to an industrial one, and the people were grappling with these changes. The Scottish people had a deep connection with the land and the rural way of life, which was being threatened by the rise of industrialization. Burns, who came from a family of farmers, was acutely aware of these changes and their impact on the people.
It is against this backdrop that "Rigs O' Barley" was written. The poem is a lament for the loss of the traditional way of life and the beauty of the rural landscape. It also highlights the plight of the farmers who were being displaced by the new economic order. The poem is a tribute to the memories of the past and a reminder of the importance of preserving them.
Analysis
"Rigs O' Barley" is a poem consisting of six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in the Scottish dialect, which adds to its authenticity and charm. The poem is a tribute to the fields of barley that were a common sight in the rural landscape. The opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem:
It was upon a Lammas night,
When corn rigs are bonnie,
Beneath the moon's unclouded light,
I held awa to Annie:
The stanza is a nostalgic remembrance of a time long gone. The speaker is reminiscing about a time when he was young and in love, and the fields of barley were in full bloom. The use of the term "corn rigs" instead of barley fields is significant. The term is a traditional Scottish one and adds to the poem's authenticity. The stanza also sets the scene for what is to come, a celebration of the beauty of the rural landscape.
The second stanza is a vivid description of the fields of barley:
The time flew by wi' tentless heed,
Till 'tween the late and early;
Wi' sma' persuasion she agreed,
To see me thro' the barley.
The stanza is a tribute to the beauty of the fields of barley. The use of the phrase "tentless heed" is a reminder of how time would pass by unnoticed when one was surrounded by such beauty. The poet also uses the imagery of the moon to highlight the beauty of the fields. The use of the phrase "late and early" is significant. It suggests that the lovers spent the entire night in the fields, lost in their love and the beauty of the landscape.
The third stanza is a lament for the loss of the traditional way of life:
Corn rigs, an' barley rigs,
An' corn rigs are bonnie:
I'll ne'er forget that happy night,
Among the rigs wi' Annie.
The stanza is a reminder of the beauty of the traditional way of life, which is being threatened by the new economic order. The repetition of the phrase "corn rigs" and "barley rigs" emphasizes the importance of these fields in the rural landscape. The stanza is a tribute to the memories of the past and a reminder of their importance.
The fourth stanza is a commentary on the changing economic order:
The sky was blue, the wind was still,
The moon was shining clearly:
I set her down, wi' right good will,
Among the rigs o' barley.
The stanza is a reminder of the peace and tranquillity that existed in the past, which is being lost in the present. The use of the phrase "right good will" suggests that the speaker is aware of the changes taking place in the economy but is powerless to stop them. The stanza is a commentary on the helplessness of the people in the face of these changes.
The fifth stanza is a reminder of the beauty of the rural landscape:
I ken't her heart was a' my ain;
I lov'd her most sincerely;
I kiss'd her owre and owre again,
Among the rigs o' barley.
The stanza is a tribute to the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. The use of the phrase "owre and owre again" suggests that the lovers were lost in their love and the beauty of the landscape. The stanza is a reminder of the importance of preserving the memories of the past.
The final stanza is a commentary on the transient nature of life:
I lock'd her in my fond embrace;
Her heart was beating rarely:
My blessings on that happy place,
Among the rigs o' barley.
The stanza is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The use of the phrase "beating rarely" suggests that the speaker is aware of the fragility of life. The stanza is a tribute to the beauty of the past and a reminder of the importance of preserving it.
Themes
"Rigs O' Barley" is a poem that touches upon several themes. The most prominent of these is the loss of the traditional way of life and the beauty of the rural landscape. The poem is a lament for those times and a reminder of their importance. The poem also touches upon the changing economic order and its impact on the people. The poem is a commentary on the helplessness of the people in the face of these changes.
Another theme that the poem touches upon is the power of love. The poem is a tribute to the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. The poem is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have and the people we love.
Conclusion
"Rigs O' Barley" is a masterpiece of Robert Burns. The poem is a tribute to the beauty of the rural landscape and the importance of preserving the memories of the past. The poem is a commentary on the changing economic order and its impact on the people. The poem is a reminder of the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. The poem is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire readers and enthusiasts alike.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rigs O' Barley: A Masterpiece by Robert Burns
Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry that captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition. One of his most famous works is "Rigs O' Barley," a poem that celebrates the joys of life and the beauty of nature. This masterpiece is a perfect example of Burns' ability to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions through his words.
The poem begins with a description of the barley fields, which are "bonie, bloomin, fair, and free." Burns uses alliteration to emphasize the beauty of the fields and to create a sense of harmony and balance. The fields are not just a source of food and drink, but also a symbol of life and vitality. The poet sees the barley as a gift from nature, a reminder of the abundance and generosity of the earth.
The next stanza introduces the main character of the poem, John Barleycorn, who is personified as a living being. John Barleycorn is not just a name, but a symbol of the barley itself, and of the process of making whiskey. Burns describes John Barleycorn as a "hero" who is "strong and brave," and who is loved by all. This personification of the barley and the whiskey-making process is a common theme in Scottish literature, and it reflects the importance of whiskey in Scottish culture.
The third stanza introduces the theme of death and rebirth, which is a recurring motif in Burns' poetry. John Barleycorn is described as being "cut down" and "torn apart," but he is also "born again" and "renewed." This cycle of death and rebirth is a metaphor for the cycle of life itself, and it reflects the Scottish belief in the continuity of life and the importance of nature.
The fourth stanza is a celebration of the whiskey-making process, which is described in detail. Burns describes how the barley is "dried and cured" and how it is "ground to meal." He also describes how the whiskey is "brewed and boiled" and how it is "mellowed in the cask." This detailed description of the whiskey-making process reflects the importance of whiskey in Scottish culture, and it also reflects Burns' fascination with the process of creation.
The fifth stanza is a celebration of life and the joys of drinking whiskey. Burns describes how the whiskey "warms the heart" and how it "cheers the soul." He also describes how it brings people together and how it creates a sense of community. This celebration of whiskey and its role in Scottish culture is a common theme in Burns' poetry, and it reflects the importance of socializing and community in Scottish life.
The final stanza is a reflection on the cycle of life and the inevitability of death. Burns describes how John Barleycorn is "laid in the ground" and how he will "rise again." This cycle of death and rebirth is a reminder of the continuity of life and the importance of nature. The poem ends with a call to celebrate life and to enjoy the gifts of nature while we can.
In conclusion, "Rigs O' Barley" is a masterpiece of Scottish poetry that celebrates the joys of life and the beauty of nature. Burns' use of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor creates a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition. The poem is a celebration of whiskey and its role in Scottish life, but it is also a reminder of the importance of nature and the cycle of life and death. "Rigs O' Barley" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and delight readers today.
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