Poem Analysis - Lines Wrote By Burns While On His Deathbed

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem, written on his deathbed, presents a stark and somber reflection on mortality. The tone is melancholic and resigned, capturing the final moments of a poet who has come to terms with his impending death. The poem's brevity and direct language emphasize the immediacy and finality of death, creating a poignant and reflective mood. The use of simple, straightforward language underscores the universality of the themes it addresses.

Historical and Biographical Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, was known for his works that often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Written on his deathbed, this poem reflects his personal experience with mortality. Burns' background as a farmer and his deep connection to the Scottish landscape and culture are evident in his poetry, and this poem is no exception. The reference to Ranken, a place associated with one of his songs, adds a personal touch, making the poem more intimate and poignant.

Themes of Mortality and Change

The primary theme of the poem is mortality. The opening lines, He who of Ranken sang, lies stiff and dead, immediately confront the reader with the reality of death. The phrase stiff and dead is stark and unyielding, emphasizing the finality of death. The use of the word devilish in the phrase A devilish change indeed suggests a sense of injustice or unfairness, highlighting the abrupt and unwelcome nature of death. The poem also explores the theme of change, particularly the change from life to death. The phrase A devilish change indeed underscores the abrupt and unwelcome nature of this transition.

Symbolism of the Green Grassy Hillock

The image of a green grassy hillock hiding the poet's head is a powerful symbol of burial and the finality of death. The grassy hillock represents the earth that covers the grave, symbolizing the end of life and the return to nature. The use of the word green suggests life and growth, contrasting with the stark finality of death. This contrast highlights the irony of life and death, where life continues around the grave, even as the individual within it has ceased to exist. The hillock also symbolizes the anonymity of death, as it hides the poet's head, suggesting that in death, all individuals are reduced to the same fate.

Final Reflections on the Poem's Significance

In conclusion, Robert Burns' deathbed poem is a poignant reflection on mortality and the inevitability of change. Through its stark language and vivid imagery, the poem confronts the reader with the finality of death and the injustice of its abruptness. The symbolism of the green grassy hillock underscores the anonymity and universality of death, while the personal reference to Ranken adds a layer of intimacy. The poem serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, encouraging readers to reflect on their own mortality and the changes that life brings.