Poem Analysis - Why God Had Made Miss D So Little And Mrs A So Big

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem Why God had made Miss D so little and Mrs A so big is a brief yet thought-provoking exploration of divine purpose and human perception. The poem's tone is contemplative and philosophical, inviting readers to ponder the reasons behind God's creations. There is a sense of wonder and acceptance, as if the speaker is trying to understand a higher purpose. The mood remains consistent throughout, maintaining a reflective and introspective atmosphere.

Themes of Divine Purpose and Human Perception

The poem delves into the theme of divine purpose, questioning why God created certain things in specific ways. The speaker wonders why a gem is small and a granite is huge, suggesting that God has a purpose behind these creations. This theme is developed through the use of contrasting imagery, with the gem representing something small and precious, and the granite representing something large and sturdy. The poem implies that God's purpose is often beyond human understanding, but it is meant to guide and teach mankind.

The theme of human perception is also prominent, as the poem suggests that humans should value things based on their intrinsic worth rather than their size or appearance. The speaker implies that mankind should set a higher value on the gem, which is small but precious, rather than the granite, which is large but common. This theme is developed through the use of symbolic language, with the gem and granite representing different values and perceptions.

Symbolism of the Gem and the Granite

The gem and the granite are the most vivid images in the poem, serving as symbols for different values and perceptions. The gem, being small and precious, represents something of high intrinsic value. The granite, being large and common, represents something of lesser value. The poem suggests that mankind should value the gem more highly, as it is a rare and precious creation of God. The granite, on the other hand, is common and abundant, and thus should be valued less. This symbolism contributes to the overall message of the poem, which is that humans should value things based on their intrinsic worth rather than their size or appearance.

An open-ended question that arises from this poem is: How do our perceptions of value influence our understanding of divine purpose? The poem invites readers to reflect on their own values and perceptions, and to consider how these might be shaped by a higher purpose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Burns' poem Why God had made Miss D so little and Mrs A so big is a contemplative exploration of divine purpose and human perception. Through the use of contrasting imagery and symbolic language, the poem invites readers to ponder the reasons behind God's creations and to value things based on their intrinsic worth. The poem's reflective tone and introspective mood create a thoughtful atmosphere, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and perceptions. Ultimately, the poem suggests that God's purpose is often beyond human understanding, but it is meant to guide and teach mankind.