Poem Analysis - Andrew And His Cutty Gun

A Bawdy Ballad of Rural Delight

Robert Burns' "Andrew and His Cutty Gun" is a playful and suggestive poem that recounts a passionate encounter between the speaker and a man named Andrew. The poem's tone is lighthearted and mischievous, filled with double entendres and rustic imagery. While seemingly simple on the surface, the poem explores themes of sexual desire and rural life through the lens of humor and innuendo. The mood remains consistently jovial, celebrating the pleasure found in the moment.

Burns and the Celebration of the Common Life

Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet, often wrote about the lives and loves of ordinary people. His work frequently explored themes of social class, love, and nature, using the Scots language to create a sense of authenticity and connection to the common person. This poem is consistent with that theme in that it explores an intimate moment in a rustic and forthright way. Burns elevates an experience into a worthy topic for a poem, celebrating life in its various forms.

The Sweet Release of Passion

One of the main themes of the poem is sexual desire. This is conveyed through the suggestive language used throughout the poem. The "cutty gun," a clear phallic symbol, represents Andrew's virility and the speaker's longing for physical intimacy. Lines like "And weel she loved it in her neive, / But better when it slippit in" leave little to the imagination, painting a vivid picture of the speaker's pleasure. Additionally, rural life is a prominent theme. The setting, with its mention of "lave" going to bed and the bawsent bitch, roots the poem firmly in a rural context. The poem does not express love in a tender way but as a brief and joyous encounter. The poem celebrates the natural impulses and pleasures found within this environment. Lastly, humor binds the poem. The suggestive language and exaggerated descriptions create a sense of playful absurdity. The image of Andrew "dougled wi' his doup" while the dog hunts around adds to the comical atmosphere, preventing the poem from becoming overly serious or sentimental.

Symbolism and Imagery in a Small Space

The most prominent symbol in the poem is the "cutty gun." While literally referring to a short gun, it undoubtedly functions as a phallic symbol, representing male sexuality and power. The verb "fired" in relation to the cutty gun amplifies this interpretation. Other images add to the poem’s texture. The "bawsent bitch" hunting around creates a visual of chaotic energy during the sexual act. This could symbolize the untamed nature of desire or the disruptive force of passion within a domestic setting. Further, the "erselins coup" is obscure and is only defined by the act itself. It suggests an unexpected turning over, in this case, a sexual experience that leaves her pleased.

A Final Blast

"Andrew and His Cutty Gun" is a charming and cheeky poem that revels in the joys of physical intimacy. Through its use of suggestive language, rustic imagery, and playful tone, the poem celebrates the connection between individuals and the natural world. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find humor and beauty in everyday experiences, reminding us that even the most basic human desires are worthy of poetic expression. The poem’s short length adds to its punchy quality.