Poem Analysis - On Chloris Being Ill

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem On Chloris being ill is a deeply emotional and heartfelt expression of a lover's anguish over his beloved's illness. The tone is somber and melancholic, reflecting the speaker's distress and worry. The repetition of the phrase Long, long the night, Heavy comes the morrow creates a sense of endless suffering and dread. The poem shifts between moments of intense longing and desperate pleas, highlighting the speaker's emotional turmoil.

Themes of Love and Suffering

The central theme of the poem is the profound love the speaker feels for Chloris and the suffering he endures because of her illness. The repetition of the phrase my soul's delight is on her bed of sorrow emphasizes the speaker's deep affection and his pain at seeing her in distress. The use of the word sorrow in this context underscores the emotional weight of Chloris' illness on the speaker. The theme of suffering is further developed through the speaker's inability to find comfort or peace, as seen in the lines Ev'ry hope is fled; Ev'ry fear is terror; Slumber even I dread, Ev'ry dream is horror.

The Power of Divine Intervention

Another significant theme is the plea for divine intervention. The speaker's desperation reaches a climax when he directly addresses the Powers Divine, begging them to spare Chloris. The lines Take aught else of mine, But my Chloris spare me show the speaker's willingness to sacrifice anything for his beloved's well-being. This theme highlights the speaker's faith and his belief in a higher power that can influence the outcome of Chloris' illness. The repetition of the phrase Long, long the night, Heavy comes the morrow serves to emphasize the speaker's ongoing distress and his hope for relief through divine intervention.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that reinforces its themes. The bed of sorrow and couch of anguish are powerful symbols of Chloris' suffering and the speaker's emotional pain. These images create a stark contrast to the speaker's usual joy and delight, emphasizing the depth of his distress. The repetition of the phrase Long, long the night, Heavy comes the morrow serves as a recurring symbol of the speaker's endless suffering and his inability to find respite. The imagery of night and morrow also suggests a sense of endless time, where the speaker's anguish seems to stretch on without end. The speaker's dread of slumber and the horror of his dreams further emphasize his mental and emotional turmoil, making the imagery of night and morrow even more poignant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, On Chloris being ill is a poignant exploration of love, suffering, and the power of divine intervention. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Burns captures the speaker's deep emotional turmoil and his desperate plea for relief. The recurring symbols of night and sorrow, as well as the stark contrast between joy and anguish, highlight the speaker's profound love for Chloris and his willingness to endure any hardship for her well-being. The poem ultimately underscores the transformative power of love and the human capacity for enduring suffering in the face of adversity.