'John Barleycorn' by Robert Burns
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There were three kings into the east,
Three kings both great and high,
An' they hae sworn a solemn oath
John Barleycorn should die.They took a plough and ploughed him down,
Put clods upon his head;
An' they hae sworn a solemn oath
John Barleycorn was dead.But the cheerfu' spring came kindly on,
And show'rs began to fall;
John Barleycorn got up again,
And sore surprised them all.The sultry suns of summer came,
And he grew thick and strong;
His head weel armed wi' pointed spears,
That no one should him wrong.The sober autumn entered mild,
When he grew wan and pale;
His bending joints and drooping head
Showed he began to fail.His colour sickened more and more,
He faded into age;
And then his enemies began
To show their deadly rage.They've ta'en a weapon long and sharp,
And cut him by the knee;
Then tied him fast upon a cart,
Like a rogue for forgerie.They laid him down upon his back,
And cudgelled him full sore;
They hung him up before the storm,
And turned him o'er and o'er.They filled up a darksome pit
With water to the brim;
They heaved in John Barleycorn,
There let him sink or swim.They laid him out upon the floor,
To work him farther woe,
And still, as signs of life appeared,
They tossed him to and fro.They wasted, o'er a scorching flame,
The marrow of his bones;
But a miller used him worst of all,
For he crushed him 'tween two stones.And they hae ta'en his very heart's blood,
And drank it round and round;
And still the more and more they drank,
Their joy did more abound.John Barleycorn was a hero bold,
Of noble enterprise;
For if you do but taste his blood,
'Twill make your courage rise;'Twill make a man forget his woe;
'Twill heighten all his joy:
'Twill make the widow's heart to sing,
Tho' the tear were in her eye.Then let us toast John Barleycorn,
Each man a glass in hand;
And may his great posterity
Ne'er fail in old Scotland!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robert Burns' "John Barleycorn"
Robert Burns' "John Barleycorn" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of the eponymous character, John Barleycorn, who is personified as a symbol of barley and the process of turning it into whiskey. The poem is a celebration of the drink and its effects on people, but it is also a complex work that delves into the themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and transformation.
The Nature of John Barleycorn
At its core, "John Barleycorn" is a poem that explores the relationship between humans and their environment. The character of John Barleycorn represents the natural world, specifically the plant that is harvested to make whiskey. The poem personifies this plant, giving it human qualities and treating it as a character in its own right.
The poem begins with the description of John Barleycorn as a person who is "so rosy-cheeked and bright." This description immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that John Barleycorn is a friendly and attractive character. However, as the poem progresses, we see that John Barleycorn is not just a pretty face. He is a character who will be put through the wringer and will ultimately sacrifice himself for the benefit of others.
Throughout the poem, John Barleycorn is subjected to various forms of violence and destruction. He is cut down, ground up, and cooked in a pot. These actions are painful and unpleasant, yet John Barleycorn remains stoic and resilient. He endures the suffering, knowing that it is all part of the process that will ultimately lead to his rebirth.
The rebirth of John Barleycorn is a key theme in the poem. After suffering through the various stages of whiskey production, John Barleycorn is transformed into a potent drink that can "make a man forget his woe." This transformation is both physical and metaphorical, as the plant is transformed into a drink that has the power to transform people.
The Significance of John Barleycorn
The character of John Barleycorn is significant not only because he represents the natural world, but also because he is a symbol of sacrifice. Throughout the poem, John Barleycorn is willing to endure pain and suffering for the benefit of others. This willingness to sacrifice is a powerful message that speaks to the human condition.
In many ways, John Barleycorn is a Christ-like figure. He is a character who is willing to suffer and die for the benefit of others. This sacrifice is not in vain, as John Barleycorn's transformation into whiskey ultimately brings joy and happiness to those who consume it.
The transformation of John Barleycorn into whiskey can also be seen as a metaphor for the creative process. Just as John Barleycorn is transformed into something new and potent, so too can the creative process transform raw materials into something beautiful and meaningful.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"John Barleycorn" is a narrative poem, which means that it tells a story. The poem is structured into a series of stanzas, each of which has four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which means that the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. However, there are also moments of poetic imagery and metaphor, which add depth and complexity to the poem.
The Poem's Historical and Cultural Significance
"John Barleycorn" is a poem that has a rich cultural and historical significance. It is a celebration of whiskey, which has played an important role in Scottish culture for centuries. The poem also reflects the agricultural traditions of Scotland, where barley was an important crop.
In addition, the poem can be seen as a commentary on the industrialization of Scotland. The process of turning barley into whiskey was once a labor-intensive and artisanal process, but as the poem suggests, it has become more mechanized and industrialized over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "John Barleycorn" is a classic poem that explores the relationship between humans and their environment. The character of John Barleycorn represents the natural world, and his transformation into whiskey symbolizes the creative process and the power of transformation. The poem is also significant for its message of sacrifice and its celebration of Scottish culture and traditions. Overall, "John Barleycorn" is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Barleycorn: A Celebration of Life and Death
Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of life in his works. One of his most famous poems, John Barleycorn, is a celebration of life and death, told through the story of a barley plant. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and imagery used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a description of John Barleycorn, a personification of the barley plant. Burns describes him as a "hero bold" who is "dressed in his best array." This imagery sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests that John Barleycorn is a figure to be admired and respected. The use of personification also creates a sense of empathy for the plant, as if it were a living being.
As the poem progresses, we see John Barleycorn being subjected to various forms of violence. He is cut down, his roots are torn up, and he is left to wither in the sun. These actions are symbolic of the cycle of life and death, as John Barleycorn is being sacrificed in order to provide sustenance for others. This theme is further emphasized in the lines "They laid him down upon his back, / And cudgelled him full sore."
Despite the violence inflicted upon him, John Barleycorn does not give up. He continues to grow and thrive, even in the face of adversity. This resilience is celebrated in the lines "But still the sturdy barleycorn / Did stand erect and tall." This imagery of growth and perseverance is a reminder of the strength of life, even in the face of death.
The poem also contains a strong sense of community and tradition. John Barleycorn is not just a plant, but a symbol of the harvest season and the importance of agriculture. The lines "They've ta'en a weapon, long and sharp, / And cut him by the knee" suggest that this is a ritualistic sacrifice, performed year after year in order to ensure a bountiful harvest. This sense of tradition is further emphasized in the lines "And they hae ta'en his very heart's blood, / And drank it round and round." This ritualistic drinking of John Barleycorn's blood is a symbol of the community coming together to celebrate the harvest and the cycle of life and death.
The poem also contains a strong sense of humor and irony. Despite the violence inflicted upon John Barleycorn, he is ultimately transformed into a valuable commodity. The lines "They've baked him in a bannock cake, / They've roasted him like a pig" suggest that John Barleycorn is being turned into food and drink. This irony is further emphasized in the lines "They've wallowed him in barrels deep, / Wi' drappin' eyes and snout." This image of John Barleycorn being turned into beer is both humorous and ironic, as it suggests that the violence inflicted upon him was ultimately for the benefit of others.
In conclusion, John Barleycorn is a celebration of life and death, told through the story of a barley plant. The poem contains themes of resilience, community, tradition, and humor, all of which contribute to its deeper meaning. Burns uses powerful imagery and symbolism to create a sense of empathy for John Barleycorn, and to remind us of the strength of life, even in the face of death. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to inspire us to celebrate it.
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