Poem Analysis - Ill Mak You Be Fain To Follow Me

Robert Burns' poem I'll mak you be fain to follow me presents a lively and humorous dialogue between a soldier and a young woman. The poem's tone is playful and flirtatious, with a shift in mood as the woman expresses her reluctance to follow the soldier. The poem captures a moment of courtship, highlighting the dynamics of persuasion and resistance. Burns, known for his vivid depictions of Scottish life, uses colloquial language and vivid imagery to bring the scene to life.

Historical and Cultural Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, often drew from his experiences and the rural Scottish culture of his time. The poem reflects the social dynamics of 18th-century Scotland, where soldiers were common figures, and courtship involved a blend of charm and persuasion. The soldier's attempts to woo the young woman are typical of the era, where men often used flattery and promises to win over their beloveds.

Themes of Persuasion and Resistance

The central theme of the poem is the interplay between persuasion and resistance. The soldier uses flattery and promises to convince the young woman to follow him, while she expresses her reluctance. The soldier's repeated phrase I'll mak you be fain to follow me emphasizes his determination to persuade her. The woman's resistance is evident in her response, where she expresses her fear of being judged by her peers and her lack of interest in battles. This theme highlights the power dynamics in courtship, where the man tries to assert his will over the woman.

Themes of Love and Courtship

The poem also explores the themes of love and courtship. The soldier's endearments, such as my hinny, my life, my dearest, show his affection and desire for the young woman. However, his approach is more about persuasion than genuine love, as he focuses on the practical benefits of following him, such as sharing his supper and bed. The woman's reluctance to follow him suggests a more cautious and practical view of love, where she considers the social and personal consequences of her actions.

Themes of Travel and Adventure

The theme of travel and adventure is also present in the poem. The soldier promises the young woman a life of travel, as they journey between Saint Johnston and bony Dundee. This theme reflects the adventurous spirit of soldiers, who often traveled to different places. However, the woman's reluctance to follow him suggests a preference for a more stable and familiar life. The soldier's knapsack, a symbol of his travels, is offered to the woman as a way to entice her to join him on his adventures.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to bring the scene to life. The soldier's knapsack, a symbol of his travels and adventures, is offered to the woman as a way to entice her to join him. The phrase a part o' my supper, a part o' my bed, a part o' my bed, wherever it be, highlights the practical and physical aspects of their relationship. The soldier's promise to make her fain to follow him suggests a sense of inevitability and determination. The woman's fear of being judged by her peers and her lack of interest in battles show her practical and cautious nature.

Conclusion

The poem I'll mak you be fain to follow me captures a moment of courtship, highlighting the dynamics of persuasion and resistance. Through vivid imagery and colloquial language, Burns brings the scene to life, exploring themes of love, courtship, and adventure. The soldier's attempts to woo the young woman reflect the social dynamics of 18th-century Scotland, where men often used flattery and promises to win over their beloveds. The woman's reluctance to follow him suggests a more cautious and practical view of love, where she considers the social and personal consequences of her actions. The poem's significance lies in its portrayal of the complexities of courtship and the power dynamics involved.