Poem Analysis - O Lay Thy Loof In Mine Lass

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem "O lay thy loof in mine lass" is a passionate and heartfelt plea for love and commitment. The tone is intimate and earnest, with a sense of urgency and longing. The speaker's mood shifts from a sense of past pain and turmoil to a hopeful plea for a future together. The repetition of the opening lines creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect, emphasizing the speaker's desire for the beloved's promise.

Themes of Love and Commitment

The central theme of the poem is love and the speaker's desire for commitment. The phrase "thou wilt be my ain" is repeated, emphasizing the speaker's longing for the beloved to be his own, to commit to him. The speaker acknowledges the pain that love has caused him in the past, referring to love as a "slave to love's unbounded sway" that has "wrought me meikle wae" (caused him much woe). Despite this past pain, the speaker is willing to risk it all for the chance at love with this particular lass. This theme is developed through the speaker's vivid imagery of past loves and his declaration of the beloved as the "queen within my breast."

Imagery of Past and Present Love

The poem uses vivid imagery to contrast past loves with the present beloved. The speaker mentions "monie a lass has broke my rest" and "for a blink I hae lo'ed best," suggesting a history of fleeting loves that have caused him pain. However, the beloved is described as the "queen within my breast," a powerful image that places her above all others and suggests a deep, abiding love. The repetition of "O lay thy loof in mine lass" (lay your hand in mine, lass) is a tactile image that emphasizes the speaker's desire for physical and emotional connection. The "white hand" on which the beloved is to swear her commitment is a symbol of purity and sincerity, further emphasizing the speaker's hope for a genuine and lasting bond.

The Significance of the Poem

In conclusion, "O lay thy loof in mine lass" is a powerful exploration of love, commitment, and the risks involved in opening one's heart. Through vivid imagery and a heartfelt plea, Burns captures the essence of longing and the hope for a love that transcends past pain. The poem's significance lies in its universal themes of love and the human desire for connection and commitment. The speaker's willingness to risk past pain for the chance at love with the beloved is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit.