Poem Analysis - Adam Armours Prayer

Introduction: A Plea for Protection and Vengeance

Robert Burns's "Adam Armour's Prayer" is a vibrant, albeit darkly humorous, supplication from a small, mischievous being facing the consequences of their actions. The poem blends a desperate plea for divine protection with fierce curses directed at the antagonists. The tone oscillates between fear and vengeful anger, creating a unique blend of vulnerability and aggression. It's a short, sharp burst of folk magic and earthy justice.

Burns's Context: The Bard of Ayrshire

Robert Burns, often considered the national poet of Scotland, wrote extensively in Scots dialect, giving voice to the concerns and experiences of ordinary people. His work frequently touches on themes of social justice, rebellion against authority, and a celebration of rural life. In this context, "Adam Armour's Prayer" can be seen as a microcosm of Burns's larger project: a championing of the underdog, even when that underdog is a troublemaker.

Theme 1: The Perils of Rebellion

One central theme is the risk inherent in rebelling against authority. The speaker, likely a brownie or similar mischievous spirit, admits to having "stang'd" Geordie's "Jurr" (a term for a woman or sometimes a mare), resulting in being hunted. The vivid imagery of being "dern'd in dens and hollows, / And hunted as was William Wallace" emphasizes the seriousness of their predicament. William Wallace was a Scottish hero who led the resistance against English rule, so the comparison highlights the speaker's perceived vulnerability and the severity of the consequences they face.

Theme 2: The Nature of Justice: Divine and Earthy

The poem explores the concept of justice, contrasting earthly and divine retribution. The speaker's "prayer" is not a plea for forgiveness, but a request for supernatural intervention against their persecutors. They ask for Geordie to be "shake[n] o'er the mouth o' hell," and for "auld druken Nanz" to be tormented in the afterlife. This highlights a belief in a rough, retributive justice, rooted in folk traditions and supernatural beliefs, rather than a more formalized legal system.

Theme 3: Vulnerability and Smallness

The poem subtly explores vulnerability through the speaker's admission of being "little" and "scarce as lang's a gude kail whittle" (a good vegetable knife). This physical insignificance heightens the sense of danger and underscores the injustice of being hunted by "Constables" and "Sodgers." This perceived imbalance of power intensifies the urgency and vehemence of their vengeful desires.

Symbolism of Hell and Torment

The poem is full of vivid and violent imagery related to hell and torment. The repeated references to Satan, brimstone, and infernal lakes create a sense of intense, eternal suffering. These images contribute to the poem's darkly humorous tone, as the speaker imagines gruesome punishments for their enemies. The detail of using "oil of aik" (oak oil) to "curry" the hides of Jockie and Jenny adds a specifically Scottish and earthy touch to the envisioned torture.

Conclusion: A Microcosm of Folk Beliefs

"Adam Armour's Prayer" is a concise and potent expression of Scottish folk beliefs, blending a plea for protection with a desire for retribution. The poem's power lies in its raw emotion, vivid imagery, and the speaker's unique perspective as a small, vulnerable being caught in a conflict with larger forces. It is a testament to Burns's ability to capture the essence of rural life and the enduring appeal of justice, however vengeful, for the marginalized.