Poem Analysis - O Can Ye Labour Lee Young Man

Robert Burns' poem "O Can Ye Labour Lee, Young Man" presents a straightforward yet evocative narrative about labor and the value of hard work. The poem begins with a conversational tone, addressing a young man who has been hired but is unable to perform the required labor. The tone shifts slightly as the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment, ultimately dismissing the young man. The poem uses vivid imagery and colloquial language to convey its themes.

Historical and Cultural Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, often drew from his rural upbringing and the agricultural life of his time. The poem reflects the agrarian society of 18th-century Scotland, where manual labor was essential for survival. The mention of Martinmas, a traditional Scottish term for the feast of Saint Martin, indicates the poem's setting in the autumn, a time of harvest and preparation for winter. This context underscores the importance of hard work and the consequences of idleness.

Themes of Labor and Responsibility

The central theme of the poem is the importance of labor and the consequences of idleness. The speaker's frustration with the young man who cannot labor lee (plow) highlights the value placed on hard work. The repetition of the phrase O can ye labour lee, young man emphasizes the speaker's exasperation and the young man's failure to meet expectations. The poem suggests that those who cannot contribute to the community's labor are seen as a silly coof, or a foolish person.

Themes of Nature and Agriculture

The poem also explores the themes of nature and agriculture, which are central to the rural life depicted. The imagery of the stibble rig (stubble field) and fallow land represents the ease of plowing certain types of land, contrasting with the difficulty of plowing with an unskilled worker. The pretty bush, an' benty knowe (a small hill) symbolize the natural landscape that the ploughman navigates, further emphasizing the connection between labor and the land. The ploughman's actions of shedding roughness and plowing boldly illustrate the skill and determination required for agricultural work.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery that reinforce its themes. The arle pennies three paid to the young man symbolize the financial investment in labor, which is wasted if the worker cannot perform the task. The ploughman himself is a symbol of hard work and skill, contrasting with the idle young man. The imagery of the ploughman pointing his sock in and plowing boldly suggests confidence and expertise, qualities that the young man lacks. The poem's vivid descriptions of agricultural tasks and landscapes create a vivid picture of rural life and the importance of labor within it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "O Can Ye Labour Lee, Young Man" by Robert Burns is a poignant exploration of the value of hard work and the consequences of idleness. Through vivid imagery and colloquial language, the poem conveys the importance of labor in rural Scottish society. The themes of labor, nature, and agriculture are interwoven to highlight the skills and determination required for agricultural work. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring value of hard work and the responsibilities that come with it, offering a timeless message about the importance of contributing to one's community.