'To A Louse' by Robert Burns


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On Seeing One on a Lady's Bonnet at Church

Ha! whare ye gaun' ye crowlin ferlie?
Your impudence protects you sairly;
I canna say but ye strunt rarely
Owre gauze and lace,
Tho faith! I fear ye dine but sparely
On sic a place.

Ye ugly, creepin, blastit wonner,
Detested, shunn'd by saunt an sinner,
How daur ye set your fit upon her---
Sae fine a lady!
Gae somewhere else and seek your dinner
On some poor body.

Swith! in some beggar's hauffet squattle;
There ye may creep, and sprawl, and sprattle;
Wi' ither kindred, jumping cattle;
In shoals and nations;
Whare horn nor bane ne'er daur unsettle
Your thick plantations.

Now haud you there! ye're out o' sight,
Below the fatt'rils, snug an tight,
Na, faith ye yet! ye'll no be right,
Till ye've got on it---
The vera tapmost, tow'rin height
O' Miss's bonnet.

My sooth! right bauld ye set your nose out,
As plump an grey as onie grozet:
O for some rank, mercurial rozet,
Or fell, red smeddum,
I'd gie you sic a hearty dose o't,
Wad dress your droddum!

I wad na been surpris'd to spy
You on an auld wife's flainen toy
Or aiblins some bit duddie boy,
On's wyliecoat;
But Miss's fine Lunardi! fye!
How daur ye do't?

O Jeany, dinna toss your head,
An set your beauties a' abread!
Ye little ken what cursed speed
The blastie's makin!
Thae winks an finger-ends, I dread,
Are notice takin!

O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It wad frae monie a blunder free us
An foolish notion:
What airs in dress an gait wad lea'es us,
An ev'n devotion!


Editor 1 Interpretation

To A Louse: Unveiling the Humanity Within

Robert Burns, one of the most celebrated Scottish poets, was known for his ability to capture the raw emotions and experiences of everyday life in his poetry. One such poem is "To A Louse," a humorous and satirical piece that explores the idea of human vanity and the fleeting nature of our existence.

The Setting and Context

The poem is set in a church in Mauchline, Scotland, and is addressed to a louse that has taken up residence on the bonnet of a well-dressed woman. The woman is preoccupied with her appearance and is unaware of the insect's presence, prompting Burns to reflect on the transience of human beauty and the ironic nature of our vanity.

In the late 18th century, when Burns wrote this poem, the church was a central part of Scottish society, and attendance was seen as a reflection of one's moral character. The poem, therefore, serves as a commentary on the hypocrisy of social norms and expectations, highlighting the disconnect between outward appearances and inner realities.

The Structure and Style

"To A Louse" is written in the Scots language, which is a dialect of English spoken in Scotland. Burns was famous for using Scots in his poetry, as it allowed him to convey the nuances and complexities of Scottish culture and identity.

The poem is structured as a series of verses, each with four lines and a rhyme scheme of AABB. This structure gives the poem a rhythmic quality, which is complemented by the use of alliteration and assonance. For example, in the second verse, the words "sklentin" and "squattie" create a sense of movement and fluidity, mimicking the louse's movement and the woman's restless gestures.

The poem is also characterized by its use of irony and satire. Burns uses humor and sarcasm to expose the absurdity of human vanity, as well as the social norms that reinforce it. For example, in the third verse, Burns comments on the woman's "fashionable air," suggesting that her appearance is merely a product of societal pressure and conformity rather than personal expression.

The Themes and Interpretation

One of the central themes of "To A Louse" is the idea of human vanity and the transience of beauty. Burns uses the image of the louse, a repulsive and parasitic creature, to contrast with the woman's outward appearance, highlighting the fragility and impermanence of our physical selves. The poem also suggests that our obsession with appearances is a product of societal pressure and conformity rather than personal expression, as seen in the line "O wad some Power the giftie gie us / To see ourselves as ithers see us!"

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of social norms and expectations. Burns uses the setting of the church, a symbol of morality and propriety, to critique the hypocrisy of social norms and the disconnect between outward appearances and inner realities. The woman's preoccupation with her appearance is contrasted with the louse's obliviousness to social norms, suggesting that our obsession with appearances is a product of societal pressure rather than personal values.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of humanity itself. Burns uses the image of the louse, a small and insignificant creature, to suggest that our existence is fleeting and meaningless in the grand scheme of things. However, he also suggests that there is beauty and dignity in even the most humble of creatures, as seen in the lines "But Och! I backward cast my e'e, / On prospects drear! / An' forward, tho' I canna see, / I guess an' fear!" Here, Burns acknowledges the limitations of our existence while also celebrating the human capacity for empathy and imagination.

The Significance and Legacy

"To A Louse" is one of Burns' most famous poems and is often cited as a prime example of his ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and identity. The poem's themes of human vanity, social norms, and the fleeting nature of existence continue to resonate with readers today, and Burns' use of Scots language and satire have influenced countless poets and writers in Scotland and beyond.

Moreover, the poem serves as a reminder that even the most mundane and insignificant experiences can hold profound meaning and insight. By using the image of a louse on a woman's bonnet, Burns highlights the humanity and dignity in even the most reviled creatures, while also exposing the absurdity of human vanity and societal norms.

In conclusion, "To A Louse" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today. Burns' use of Scots language, irony, and satire, combined with his keen eye for human nature, make this poem a timeless classic and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Scotland's greatest poets.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To A Louse: An Analysis of Robert Burns' Classic Poem

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life in his poetry. One of his most famous works, "To A Louse," is a perfect example of this. The poem, written in Scots dialect, is a humorous and satirical commentary on human vanity and the fleeting nature of beauty. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a louse that he sees crawling on a lady's bonnet in church. The speaker marvels at the louse's agility and wonders if it is aware of the commotion it is causing. He then turns his attention to the lady, who is preening and admiring herself in a mirror. The speaker contrasts the louse's humble existence with the lady's vanity and suggests that the louse is better off than the lady because it is not burdened by such concerns.

The poem's central theme is the transience of beauty and the folly of vanity. The lady in the poem is so preoccupied with her appearance that she fails to notice the louse crawling on her bonnet. The speaker, on the other hand, is able to see beyond the surface and recognize the absurdity of the situation. He suggests that the lady's beauty is fleeting and that she should not be so concerned with it. The louse, on the other hand, is content with its simple existence and is not burdened by such concerns.

The poem's structure is simple but effective. It consists of eight stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The poem is written in Scots dialect, which adds to its charm and humor. The use of dialect also helps to convey the speaker's down-to-earth perspective and his ability to see things as they really are.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. The louse is described as a "silly wee beastie" and a "mirk and rainy" creature. The lady, on the other hand, is described as a "finer wight" and a "proud and saucy" creature. These descriptions help to create a vivid picture of the scene and the characters involved. The use of metaphor is also effective in conveying the poem's themes. The louse is compared to a "poor sinner" and a "wee bit housie," which suggests that it is a humble and unassuming creature. The lady, on the other hand, is compared to a "peacock" and a "gilded butterfly," which suggests that she is vain and superficial.

The poem's humor is also an important aspect of its appeal. The speaker's observations are witty and ironic, and his commentary on human vanity is both insightful and amusing. The poem's use of dialect and colloquial language adds to its humor and makes it accessible to a wide audience.

In conclusion, "To A Louse" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of beauty, vanity, and the fleeting nature of life are universal and timeless. The poem's structure, language, and humor all contribute to its appeal and make it a memorable and enjoyable read. Robert Burns' ability to capture the essence of everyday life in his poetry is what makes him one of Scotland's most beloved poets, and "To A Louse" is a perfect example of his talent.

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