'A Lass Wi' A Tocher' by Robert Burns
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Awa' wi' your witchcraft o' Beauty's alarms,
The slender bit Beauty you grasp in your arms,
O, gie me the lass that has acres o' charms,
O, gie me the lass wi' the weel-stockit farms.
Chorus-Then hey, for a lass wi' a tocher,
Then hey, for a lass wi' a tocher;
Then hey, for a lass wi' a tocher;
The nice yellow guineas for me.
Your Beauty's a flower in the morning that blows,
And withers the faster, the faster it grows:
But the rapturous charm o' the bonie green knowes,
Ilk spring they're new deckit wi' bonie white yowes.
Then hey, for a lass, &c.
And e'en when this Beauty your bosom hath blest
The brightest o' Beauty may cloy when possess'd;
But the sweet, yellow darlings wi' Geordie impress'd,
The langer ye hae them, the mair they're carest.
Then hey, for a lass, &c.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Lass Wi' A Tocher by Robert Burns: A Masterpiece of Scottish Poetry
Oh, how do I describe the beauty that lies in Robert Burns' poem "A Lass Wi' A Tocher"? The words flow like a river of emotion, each verse painting a vivid picture of love, desire, and societal norms. It is a masterpiece of Scottish poetry, showcasing Burns' ability to capture the essence of human experience with his words. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will take a closer look at this poem, exploring its themes, form, and language, and unraveling the meaning behind the words.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist, born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is best known for his works that celebrate Scottish culture and identity. "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" was first published in 1792 in "The Scots Musical Museum," a collection of traditional Scottish songs and ballads compiled by James Johnson and Robert Burns.
The poem tells the story of a young man who is in love with a woman who comes with a "tocher," a Scottish term for a dowry or marriage settlement. In traditional Scottish society, a tocher was an important consideration in marriage as it determined a woman's worth and her family's social standing. The poem explores the tension between love and materialism, as the young man struggles to reconcile his desire for the woman with the practical considerations of marrying into her family.
Themes
At its core, "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" is a poem about love and marriage. However, it also touches upon a number of other themes, including class, gender roles, and societal norms.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the tension between love and money. The young man is deeply in love with the woman, but he is also aware of the potential benefits of marrying into her family. He struggles to reconcile his desire for love with the practical considerations of financial security, highlighting the role that money played in traditional Scottish society.
Another important theme is the idea of gender roles and societal expectations. The woman in the poem is seen as a commodity, with her worth determined by the size of her tocher. This reflects the patriarchal nature of traditional Scottish society, where women were often valued primarily for their ability to produce heirs and increase their family's wealth.
Finally, "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" also explores the idea of class and social standing. The young man is acutely aware of the differences between his family and the woman's family, and the potential impact that this could have on their relationship. This reflects the hierarchical nature of Scottish society, where social standing was often determined by birth and inherited wealth.
Form and Language
One of the most distinctive features of "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" is its use of Scots language. Scots is a dialect of English that is spoken in Scotland, and is characterized by its distinctive grammar and vocabulary. Burns was a master of the Scots language, and his use of it in this poem adds an authenticity and richness to the text.
The poem is written in the form of a ballad, a traditional form of Scottish poetry that is characterized by its simple, repetitive structure. The poem is made up of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a ABAB rhyme scheme. The simple structure of the poem allows Burns to focus on the language and the emotion behind the words, creating a powerful and evocative piece of poetry.
Interpretation
So, what does "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" really mean? At its heart, the poem is a commentary on the role that money played in traditional Scottish society, and the impact that it had on relationships and marriages. The young man in the poem is torn between his desire for love and his need for financial security, and struggles to find a way to reconcile the two.
However, the poem also has a more universal message about the nature of love and relationships. It asks us to consider what really matters in a relationship, and whether material possessions should play a role in our decisions. In this sense, the poem speaks to a timeless theme that is still relevant today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" is a masterpiece of Scottish poetry that explores the themes of love, money, gender roles, and societal norms. Burns' use of Scots language and the ballad form give the poem a unique and evocative quality, allowing us to feel the emotion behind the words. At its core, the poem challenges us to consider what really matters in a relationship, and asks us to question the role that money should play in our decisions. It is a timeless piece of poetry that still resonates with readers today, and a testament to Robert Burns' talent as a poet and lyricist.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Lass Wi' A Tocher: A Classic Masterpiece by Robert Burns
Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his poetry. His works are a reflection of his life experiences, and his ability to express them in a way that resonates with his readers is what makes him a timeless poet. One of his most famous works is the poem "A Lass Wi' A Tocher," which is a classic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
The poem tells the story of a young man who is in love with a woman who comes from a wealthy family. The woman has a "tocher," which is a Scottish term for a dowry or a sum of money that a woman brings to a marriage. The young man is not wealthy, and he worries that he will not be able to provide for his future wife. However, he is determined to win her heart and marry her, despite his financial situation.
The poem is written in Scots dialect, which is a form of the English language that is spoken in Scotland. The use of Scots dialect adds to the authenticity of the poem and helps to create a sense of place and time. The language is rich and vibrant, and it brings the characters to life in a way that standard English cannot.
The poem begins with the young man expressing his love for the woman and his concern about his financial situation. He says, "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." This means that despite his lack of wealth, he believes that he is just as valuable as any rich man. He believes that his love for the woman is worth more than any amount of money.
The young man then goes on to describe the woman's beauty and her wealth. He says, "Her beauty's a' the riches o' 't, / Fu' clear that I can see, / An' tho' she has twa hunner pound, / What's that to you or me?" This shows that he is not interested in her wealth, but rather in her as a person. He sees her beauty as her true wealth, and he is willing to overlook her financial status.
The young man then goes on to describe his own financial situation. He says, "But I hae little gear an' kye, / To win mysel a name." This means that he does not have much money or property, but he is determined to make a name for himself and provide for his future wife.
The poem then takes a turn, and the young man begins to question whether he is worthy of the woman's love. He says, "But gin ye wish to grace my bed, / Ye maun at least be kind." This shows that he is not sure if he deserves her love and that he is willing to do whatever it takes to win her over.
The young man then goes on to describe the woman's family and their expectations for her. He says, "Her faither's gear maks a' her pride, / An' a' her hope an' care." This means that her father's wealth is what makes her proud, and it is also what she hopes to inherit. The young man is aware of this, and he worries that he will not be able to provide for her in the way that her family expects.
Despite his worries, the young man remains determined to win the woman's heart. He says, "But come, ye're welcome, Polly Stewart, / As ever wife was to a man; / Ye're welcome, for her sake auld chartie, / I'm sure an' she'll be canny." This means that he welcomes her into his life and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy.
The poem ends with the young man expressing his love for the woman and his determination to make her his wife. He says, "For a' that, an' a' that, / A man's a man for a' that, / The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, / Is king o' men for a' that." This means that he believes that a man's worth is not determined by his wealth, but by his honesty and integrity. He believes that he is worthy of the woman's love, and he is determined to make her his wife.
In conclusion, "A Lass Wi' A Tocher" is a classic masterpiece by Robert Burns that tells the story of a young man who is in love with a woman from a wealthy family. The poem is written in Scots dialect, which adds to its authenticity and helps to create a sense of place and time. The young man's determination to win the woman's heart despite his financial situation is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit. The poem is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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