Poem Analysis - Fragment Why Why Tell Thy Lover

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem Fragment - Why, Why Tell Thy Lover presents a poignant and melancholic exploration of love and deception. The tone is initially questioning and somewhat accusatory, shifting to a more sorrowful and reflective mood as the poem progresses. The speaker addresses a lover who has deceived her partner, questioning the cruelty of such actions. The poem's form, with its repetitive phrasing and direct address, emphasizes the emotional intensity and urgency of the speaker's pleas.

Themes of Deception and Cruelty

One of the main themes in this poem is the cruelty of deception in love. The speaker repeatedly asks Why, why, highlighting the senselessness of the lover's actions. The phrase Bliss he never must enjoy underscores the harsh reality that the lover will never experience the happiness he anticipates. The speaker's use of the word undecieve him suggests a betrayal of trust, emphasizing the pain caused by the deception. The theme of cruelty is further developed through the imagery of waking someone from a dream, suggesting a harsh awakening from a pleasant illusion.

Themes of Love and Longing

The poem also explores the theme of love and longing. The speaker's repeated use of the word lover and the name Chloris, which is a poetic name for a woman, indicates a deep emotional investment. The phrase while fancy, raptur'd slumbers, Chloris, Chloris all the theme suggests a romantic idealization of the beloved. The speaker's longing is evident in the question Why, why would'st thou cruel, which implies a desire for the beloved to remain in a state of blissful ignorance. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of a dream, which represents the lover's hopes and desires.

Symbolism of Dreams and Illusions

The poem employs vivid imagery of dreams and illusions to convey its themes. The phrase while fancy, raptur'd slumbers suggests a state of pleasant, dreamlike reverie. The speaker's question Why, why would'st thou cruel Wake thy lover from his dream? implies that the beloved is being cruelly awakened from a pleasant illusion. This imagery underscores the theme of deception, as the lover is being awakened from a false sense of security and happiness. The dream symbolizes the lover's hopes and desires, which are shattered by the beloved's deception. The ambiguity of the dream imagery invites the reader to consider the nature of reality and illusion in love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fragment - Why, Why Tell Thy Lover is a poignant exploration of the cruelty of deception in love. Through its use of direct address, repetitive phrasing, and vivid imagery, the poem conveys the emotional intensity of the speaker's pleas. The themes of deception, cruelty, and longing are developed through the symbolism of dreams and illusions, which highlight the pain caused by the beloved's actions. The poem's final insight is a reflection on the nature of reality and illusion in love, inviting the reader to consider the consequences of betrayal and the fragility of romantic ideals.