Poem Analysis - The Heron Ballads Wham Will We Send To London

An Ode to Heron's Worth

Robert Burns's "The Heron Ballads: Wham will we send to London" is a spirited and patriotic call to action. The poem vibrates with a sense of civic duty and a desire for authentic representation in Parliament. While the tone is largely celebratory and confident, there are undercurrents of satire directed at the perceived inadequacies of the aristocracy and the dangers of superficial wealth. The poem uses a repetitive structure to emphasize its core message of selecting a man of true worth, specifically Heron, to represent the people in London.

Echoes of Social Discontent

Written during a time of significant social and political upheaval, Burns’s poem reflects the growing discontent among the common people with the established order. The poem is rooted in the historical context of 18th-century Scotland, where the power of the landed gentry was often viewed with suspicion, especially when it came to representing the interests of the common folk. Burns, known for his championing of the ordinary man, uses the poem to critique the traditional pathways to power—birthright and wealth—and to advocate for a representative chosen for his "worth and sense." The poem can be viewed as a populist argument for meritocracy, suggesting that true leadership should be earned through character and not inherited.

The Theme of Authentic Representation

The central theme of the poem is the importance of genuine representation. Burns questions who is best suited to represent the community in London, setting up a contrast between those who hold power by birth or wealth and those who possess true "worth and sense." The poem emphasizes the need for someone who understands the people and their needs. The imagery associated with Heron suggests an individual of integrity, an "independent Patriot," and an "Honest Man." This contrasts sharply with the negative portrayals of "paughty Lordlings" and a "beardless boy" who relies on his uncle's money. Burns uses these contrasting images to highlight the superficiality of inherited privilege versus the inherent value of character and experience.

Symbols of Worth and Status

Several recurring symbols in the poem reinforce the message of authentic representation. "London town" and "Parliament" symbolize the seat of power and the potential for influence. The repeated phrase "a' that" serves as a rhetorical device, allowing Burns to encompass a multitude of qualities and circumstances, often used to dismiss superficial attributes. The image of "Kirouchtree's open yett" suggests hospitality and accessibility, qualities that would be valued in a representative of the people. Conversely, "ribband, star and a' that" satirizes the empty honors and decorations that can mask a "lousy loun" (rascal). The symbol of "nowt and naigs" (cattle and horses) in the market suggests that the people should not be blindly bought and sold like commodities, implying that the people should use their agency to make the correct decision when choosing the proper candidate to represent them.

A Toast to Independence

In conclusion, "The Heron Ballads: Wham will we send to London" is a powerful affirmation of the importance of selecting leaders based on merit rather than social standing. Burns uses vivid imagery, a confident tone, and a repetitive structure to drive home the message that true representation comes from individuals who embody integrity and genuine concern for the welfare of the community. The poem ultimately serves as a call to action, urging the people to choose wisely and to reject superficial displays of power in favor of authentic leadership. The refrain "Here's Heron yet for a' that" serves as both an endorsement and a challenge: can the community recognize and choose true worth when faced with the allure of tradition and wealth?