Poem Analysis - O Dear Minny What Shall I Do

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem O dear Minny, what shall I do? by Robert Burns presents a repetitive, almost childlike lament. The speaker, presumably a woman named Minny, expresses her confusion and frustration over her romantic prospects. The tone is one of bewilderment and resignation, with a hint of playful exasperation. The repetition of the opening lines creates a sense of urgency and desperation, while the interjections of daft thing, doylt thing, do as I do add a touch of humor and lightheartedness.

Themes of Love and Identity

The poem explores the theme of love and the struggles one might face in finding a suitable partner. The speaker's dilemma is that she feels unloved if she is black, untrustworthy if she is fair, and overlooked if she is of high status. These lines suggest a societal pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior, and the frustration that comes from feeling that one cannot win regardless of how one presents oneself. The repetition of O dear minny, what shall I do emphasizes the speaker's confusion and helplessness in the face of these societal expectations.

The Role of Social Status

Another prominent theme is the role of social status in romantic relationships. The line If I be lordly, the lads will look by me indicates that the speaker feels that her high status might make her seem unapproachable or intimidating to potential suitors. This theme highlights the complexities of love and relationships, and how societal expectations and status can complicate matters of the heart. The speaker's frustration is palpable, as she feels that her status is a barrier to finding love, despite her desire for a romantic connection.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's internal struggle. The phrases black, fair, and lordly are used to represent different aspects of the speaker's identity, and the societal expectations that come with them. The repetition of these words emphasizes the speaker's feeling of being trapped by these expectations, and her inability to escape them. The phrase daft thing, doylt thing, do as I do is a recurring symbol that adds a layer of humor and lightheartedness to the poem, but also serves as a reminder of the speaker's resignation to her fate. The phrase suggests that the speaker has accepted that she cannot change her circumstances, and must simply go along with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, O dear Minny, what shall I do? is a poignant exploration of the struggles one might face in finding love and navigating societal expectations. Through its use of repetition, vivid imagery, and recurring symbols, the poem conveys the speaker's confusion, frustration, and resignation in the face of these challenges. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of feeling trapped by societal expectations, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The poem's playful tone and humorous interjections serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for laughter and lightheartedness.