Poem Analysis - O Gude Ale Comes And Gude Ale Goes

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem O gude ale comes and gude ale goes is a lively and humorous exploration of the speaker's love for ale and the consequences of that love. The tone is lighthearted and whimsical, with a touch of self-deprecating humor. The poem maintains a consistent mood of jovial acceptance of the speaker's predicament, despite the escalating consequences of his indulgence. The repetition of the phrase gude ale keeps my heart aboon creates a rhythmic, almost song-like quality, reinforcing the poem's playful tone.

Themes of Indulgence and Consequence

The primary theme of the poem is the power of indulgence and the consequences that follow. The speaker's love for ale leads him to sell his hose (stockings) and pawn his shoon (shoes), and eventually, his oxen. This theme is developed through the speaker's willingness to part with his possessions, highlighting the extent of his indulgence. The repetition of the phrase gude ale keeps my heart aboon underscores the speaker's acceptance of these consequences, suggesting a sense of contentment despite his losses.

Themes of Humor and Self-Deprecation

The poem also explores the theme of humor and self-deprecation. The speaker's willingness to engage in increasingly absurd behaviors, such as selling his oxen and flirting with the servant girl, is presented with a sense of humor. The speaker's acceptance of his situation, despite its absurdity, adds to the poem's comedic effect. This theme is reinforced by the poem's lighthearted tone and the speaker's willingness to laugh at his own expense.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem features several recurring symbols and vivid images that contribute to its overall message. The most prominent symbol is ale, which represents the speaker's indulgence and the source of his contentment. The repeated phrase gude ale keeps my heart aboon emphasizes the ale's role in the speaker's life, suggesting that it provides him with a sense of joy and satisfaction. Another recurring image is the speaker's willingness to part with his possessions, which highlights the extent of his indulgence and his acceptance of the consequences. The oxen, in particular, serve as a symbol of the speaker's increasing desperation, as he sells them one by one to support his habit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Burns' O gude ale comes and gude ale goes is a playful exploration of the power of indulgence and the consequences that follow. Through its lighthearted tone, vivid imagery, and recurring symbols, the poem offers a humorous and self-deprecating look at the speaker's love for ale and his willingness to accept the consequences of that love. The poem's ultimate message is one of acceptance and contentment, suggesting that the speaker finds joy and satisfaction in his indulgence, despite the losses it brings.