Epitaph on Tam the Chapman
written in 1784
Epitaph on Tam the Chapman - form Summary
Comic Epitaph in Scots
Written as an epitaph, this brief poem stages a comic, anecdotal memorial for Tam the chapman. Instead of solemn mourning, Burns presents Death as a social companion who "tak's him hame" after sharing friendly conversation and looking over Tam's wares. The epitaph form compresses a life into a single telling moment, using dialect and narrative to turn a grave inscription into character sketch and ironic farewell. The result humanizes both the deceased and Death, making the epitaph a playful, empathetic conclusion rather than a formal moral lesson.
Read Complete AnalysesAs Tam the chapman on a day Wi' Death forgather'd by the way, Weel pleased, he greets a wight sae famous, And Death was nae less pleas'd wi' Thomas, Wha cheerfully lays down his pack, And there blaws up a hearty crack: His social, friendly, honest heart Sae tickled Death, they could na part; Sae after viewing knives and garters, Death taks him hame to gie him quarters.
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