'To A Mouse' by Robert Burns
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On Turning her up in her Nest with the Plough
Wee, sleekit, cow'rin', tim'rous beastie,
O what a panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee
Wi' murd'ring pattle!
I'm truly sorry man's dominion
Has broken nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor earth-born companion,
An' fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whiles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
'S a sma' request:
I'll get a blessin' wi' the lave,
And never miss't!
Thy wee bit housie, too, in ruin!
Its silly wa's the win's are strewin':
And naething, now, to big a new ane,
O' foggage green!
An' bleak December's winds ensuin'
Baith snell an' keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare and waste
An' weary winter comin' fast,
An' cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till, crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro' thy cell.
That wee bit heap o' leaves an' stibble
Has cost thee mony a weary nibble!
Now thou's turned out, for a' thy trouble,
But house or hald,
To thole the winter's sleety dribble
An' cranreuch cauld!
But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft a-gley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promised joy.
Still thou art blest, compared wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But, oh! I backward cast my e'e
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Close Reading of Robert Burns' "To A Mouse"
Have you ever come across a poem that made you feel a range of emotions from empathy to amusement, and back to melancholy? Robert Burns' "To A Mouse" is one such poem that sets the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride of sorts. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will closely examine the poem's themes, style, structure, and language to understand the poet's intentions.
Background Information
But first, a bit of background. Robert Burns was an 18th-century Scottish poet and lyricist who wrote in Scots, a dialect of English spoken in Scotland. "To A Mouse" was written in 1785 and is one of his most famous poems. It is a part of a longer poem called "Address to a Haggis," which he wrote while plowing one of his fields and accidentally destroyed a mouse's nest. The poem is written in the form of a monologue addressed to the mouse, expressing the poet's sympathy towards the creature's plight and the unpredictability of life.
Themes
The poem deals with several themes that are still relevant today. One of the most prominent themes is the unpredictability of life. The poet acknowledges the mouse's life is just as unpredictable as a human's, stating that the mouse's "best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley" (7). In other words, even the best-laid plans can go awry, and this is a universal experience for all living beings. The theme of the unpredictability of life can be seen as a reflection of Burns' own life, which was characterized by financial struggles and personal hardships.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the relationship between humans and nature. Burns portrays the mouse as a victim of human encroachment on nature's territory. The mouse's nest is destroyed due to the poet's plowing, and he acknowledges the irony of the situation, stating that while the mouse is a "wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie" (1), it is the poet who causes the mouse to flee. This theme is still relevant today, as we continue to see the detrimental effects of human activities on the environment.
Finally, the poem deals with the theme of empathy. Burns demonstrates his empathy towards the mouse, acknowledging its fear and vulnerability. He recognizes the mouse's struggle for survival, stating that it "gang aft agley" due to circumstances beyond its control. By addressing the mouse directly in the poem, Burns humanizes the creature and shows that empathy can extend beyond humans.
Style and Structure
Turning to the poem's style and structure, the first thing that stands out is its use of Scots dialect. Burns wrote in Scots to reflect his Scottish identity and to celebrate the Scottish culture. The use of Scots gives the poem an authentic and rustic feel, adding to its charm.
The poem is written in the form of a monologue, with the poet addressing the mouse directly. The use of the second person, "thou" and "thee," makes the poem more personal and intimate, as if the poet is speaking to the mouse as a friend. The monologue form also allows the poet to express his thoughts and feelings without interruption, making the poem more poetic and lyrical.
The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme of AABB, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This rhyme scheme adds to the poem's musicality, making it a pleasure to read aloud. The strict structure also gives the poem a sense of order and balance, reflecting the poet's attempt to make sense of life's unpredictable nature.
Language
Finally, we come to the language used in the poem. Burns uses a combination of simple and complex words to convey his message. The use of simple words, such as "wee," "tim'rous," and "beastie," gives the poem a childlike quality, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The use of complex words, such as "gang aft agley" and "thole," adds to the poem's richness and depth, showing the poet's mastery of language.
Burns also uses several literary devices to create vivid imagery and enhance the poem's emotional impact. For example, the use of alliteration in the phrase "wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie" (1) creates a musical quality and emphasizes the mouse's smallness and vulnerability. The use of personification in the line "I'm truly sorry man's dominion has broken Nature's social union" (7-8) gives a sense of agency to nature, showing it as a victim of human actions. The use of irony in the line "the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley" (7) juxtaposes the mouse's plans with human plans, showing that they are not so different after all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To A Mouse" is a beautiful and timeless poem that deals with universal themes of life's unpredictability, the relationship between humans and nature, and empathy towards all living beings. The poem's style and structure, along with its use of Scots dialect and literary devices, create a vivid and emotional reading experience. Burns' ability to express profound ideas with simple words and imagery is a testament to his skill as a poet. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting impact on readers of all generations. So, the next time you see a mouse scurrying across your floor, take a moment to reflect on Burns' words and remember the importance of empathy and the unpredictability of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To A Mouse: A Timeless Poem by Robert Burns
Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of life in his poetry. His poem, "To A Mouse," is a classic example of his talent. Written in 1785, the poem is a reflection on the human condition and the fragility of life. It is a timeless piece that has resonated with readers for over two centuries. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
Themes
The poem is a conversation between the speaker and a mouse that he has just disturbed while plowing his field. The speaker apologizes to the mouse for the disruption and reflects on the similarities between their lives. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of change. The mouse, like the speaker, is subject to the whims of fate and the forces of nature. The poem also explores the theme of empathy and the importance of treating all creatures with kindness and respect.
Structure
The poem is written in a series of four-line stanzas, with a rhyme scheme of AABB. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or pairs of syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is easy to read and remember. The language is simple and direct, with few complex words or phrases. This simplicity adds to the poem's accessibility and makes it easy for readers to connect with the speaker's message.
Significance
The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the essence of the human condition in a simple and direct way. The speaker's empathy for the mouse is a reminder that all creatures, no matter how small or insignificant, deserve our respect and compassion. The poem also speaks to the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to new circumstances. The mouse, like the speaker, must learn to navigate a world that is constantly changing and unpredictable. The poem's message is timeless and universal, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Conclusion
"To A Mouse" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of empathy, fragility, and adaptability are as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago. The poem's simple language and direct style make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a reminder that all creatures, no matter how small or insignificant, deserve our respect and compassion. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone, and that we are all subject to the same forces of nature.
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