'For A' That and A' That' by Robert Burns


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Is there, for honest poverty,
That hings his head, an' a' that?
The coward slave, we pass him by,
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure, an' a' that;
The rank is but the guinea's stamp;
The man's the gowd for a' that,

What tho' on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin-gray, an' a' that;
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A man's a man for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their tinsel show an' a' that;
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that.

Ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord
Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that;
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a coof for a' that:
For a' that, an' a' that,
His riband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind,
He looks and laughs at a' that.

A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that;
But an honest man's aboon his might,
Guid faith he mauna fa' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their dignities, an' a' that,
The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth,
Are higher rank than a' that.

Then let us pray that come it may,
As come it will for a' that,
That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth,
May bear the gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet, for a' that,
That man to man, the warld o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, For A' That and A' That by Robert Burns: A Critique and Interpretation

Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist, is known for his exquisite poetry that sheds light on various societal issues. His poem "For A' That and A' That" is a classic example of his deep understanding of the human condition and his ability to convey it through powerful imagery and language. This critique and interpretation will explore the meaning behind the poem and analyze its literary devices, structure, and themes.

Background

Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. "For A' That and A' That" was written in 1795, during a time of great social upheaval in Scotland. The country was going through a period of political and economic turmoil, with many people struggling to make ends meet. Burns himself was no exception, having faced financial difficulties throughout his life. It is in this context that he wrote his poem, which has since become a symbol of hope and unity for the Scottish people.

Structure

At first glance, "For A' That and A' That" appears to be a simple four-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of eight lines. However, a closer reading reveals a more complex structure that contributes to the poem's overall meaning. The first two stanzas set the tone for the poem, with Burns acknowledging the social and economic divisions that exist in society. He then goes on to express his belief that despite these divisions, all people are equal in the eyes of God.

The third stanza is the most powerful, as Burns begins to challenge the status quo and question the legitimacy of those who hold power. He asserts that wealth and status do not make a person superior, and that true worth lies in one's character and moral values. This is reinforced in the final stanza, where Burns declares that it is the common people who are the true heroes, as they are the ones who toil and struggle to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Literary Devices

Burns employs a number of literary devices throughout the poem to convey his message. One of the most striking is the use of repetition, with the phrase "For A' That and A' That" appearing at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition serves to unify the poem and reinforce the idea that all people are equal, regardless of their social status or wealth.

Another important device is the use of imagery, particularly in the second and third stanzas. Burns compares the wealthy and powerful to "lords" and "lairds", while the common people are described as "honest men" and "sons of toil". This imagery creates a stark contrast between the two groups and reinforces Burns' belief in the inherent worth of the working class.

Finally, Burns' use of language is particularly noteworthy. He employs a mix of standard English and Scottish dialect, which serves to create a sense of authenticity and reinforce the poem's roots in Scottish culture. Additionally, his choice of words is powerful and evocative, particularly in the third stanza where he describes the "man of independent mind" who is "above a slave".

Themes

At its core, "For A' That and A' That" is a poem about equality and the struggle for social justice. Burns saw firsthand the injustices that were prevalent in his society, and he used his poetry as a means of speaking out against them. The theme of equality is particularly evident in the third stanza, where Burns challenges the idea that wealth and status make a person superior. Instead, he asserts that it is one's character and moral values that define their worth as a human being.

Another important theme is the idea of the common people as heroes. Burns believed that it was the working class, not the wealthy elite, who were the true heroes of society. He saw the struggles that these people faced on a daily basis, and he wanted to celebrate their resilience and determination.

Finally, "For A' That and A' That" can be seen as a call to action. Burns recognized that change was needed in order to create a more just and equitable society, and he believed that it was up to the people to bring about that change. His poem serves as a rallying cry for those who seek to challenge the status quo and fight for a better future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "For A' That and A' That" is a powerful and timeless poem that speaks to the universal human desire for equality and justice. Burns' use of literary devices, such as repetition and imagery, serve to reinforce his message and make the poem a memorable and impactful work of art. Through his poetry, Burns challenged the social and economic divisions that existed in his society and called for a more equitable and just world. His words continue to resonate with readers today, serving as a reminder that the fight for social justice is ongoing and that it is up to all of us to create a better future.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry For A' That and A' That: A Timeless Classic by Robert Burns

Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry that captures the essence of Scottish culture and tradition. One of his most famous works, "Poetry For A' That and A' That," is a timeless classic that speaks to the universal themes of equality, freedom, and brotherhood. Written in 1795, the poem is a powerful statement against the social and economic inequalities of the time, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the lines, "Is there for honest Poverty / That hings his head, an' a' that?" Here, Burns is addressing the plight of the poor and the marginalized, who are often looked down upon by society. He goes on to say that despite their poverty, these individuals are still deserving of respect and dignity, and that their worth should not be measured by their material possessions. This sentiment is echoed in the famous lines, "The rank is but the guinea's stamp, / The Man's the gowd for a' that," which suggest that a person's true value lies in their character and their humanity, rather than their social status or wealth.

Throughout the poem, Burns uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey his message. For example, he describes the "honest man" as "the noblest work of God," and compares the "proud man" to a "wee bit heap o' leaves" that is easily blown away by the wind. These images serve to highlight the transience of material wealth and the enduring nature of human dignity and worth.

Another key theme of the poem is the idea of brotherhood and solidarity. Burns writes, "Then let us pray that come it may, / As come it will for a' that, / That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth, / Shall bear the gree an' a' that." Here, he is expressing his hope that one day, people will come to recognize the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. He envisions a world where people are united by their shared humanity, rather than divided by their differences.

Overall, "Poetry For A' That and A' That" is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the timeless themes of equality, freedom, and brotherhood. Burns' use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors helps to convey his message in a way that is both accessible and memorable. The poem continues to resonate with readers today, and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of these values in our society.

In conclusion, Robert Burns' "Poetry For A' That and A' That" is a classic work of poetry that speaks to the universal themes of equality, freedom, and brotherhood. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Burns conveys a powerful message about the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. The poem continues to inspire readers today, and serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to speak to the human experience.

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