Poem Analysis - Green Grow The Rashes An Older Edition

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem Green grow the rashes is a lively and somewhat bawdy exploration of male desire and the pleasures of physical intimacy. The poem's tone is playful and irreverent, with a strong emphasis on the speaker's carnal experiences. The repetition of the phrase Green grow the rashes serves as a refrain, adding a rhythmic and almost hypnotic quality to the verses. The mood shifts from boastful and humorous to more introspective, particularly in the middle stanza, where the speaker's heart is described as pounding.

Historical and Cultural Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, often drew from his rural upbringing and the folk traditions of his time. This poem reflects the earthy and sometimes explicit nature of Scottish folk songs and ballads from the 18th century. The use of colloquial language and direct references to sexual acts aligns with the bawdy humor prevalent in Scottish folk culture, which often celebrated the joys of life in a straightforward and unapologetic manner.

Themes of Desire and Intimacy

The primary theme of the poem is the speaker's unabashed celebration of physical desire and intimacy. The repeated phrase The sweetest bed that e'er I got, Was the bellies o' the lassies, O emphasizes the speaker's delight in sexual encounters. The imagery of the rashes growing green can be seen as a metaphor for the natural and uninhibited expression of desire, much like the growth of vegetation. The poem's tone is one of unapologetic enjoyment, with the speaker reveling in the pleasures of the flesh.

Themes of Spontaneity and Impulsiveness

Another significant theme is the spontaneity and impulsiveness of the speaker's actions. The phrase 'Twas late yestreen I met wi' ane, And vow but she was gentle, O suggests a sudden, unplanned encounter. The speaker's actions are driven by impulse rather than careful planning, as seen in the lines A' ceremonie laid aside, I fairly faund her cuntie, O. This theme highlights the speaker's willingness to act on his desires without hesitation, reflecting a carefree and uninhibited approach to life.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The phrase Green grow the rashes serves as a recurring symbol that ties the poem together. The rashes, likely a reference to nettles or other wild plants, symbolize the natural and unbridled aspects of life. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the theme of natural, uninhibited desire. The imagery of the lassies' bellies as the sweetest bed further emphasizes the speaker's focus on physical pleasure and the naturalness of his desires. The use of colloquial and explicit language adds to the poem's earthy and direct tone, making the themes of desire and spontaneity all the more vivid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Green grow the rashes is a vivid and unapologetic celebration of male desire and the pleasures of physical intimacy. Through its use of recurring symbols, vivid imagery, and a playful tone, the poem explores themes of desire, spontaneity, and the natural expression of human impulses. The poem's significance lies in its unfiltered portrayal of human desires, reflecting the earthy and direct nature of Scottish folk culture. The speaker's uninhibited approach to life serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing natural pleasures and living in the moment.