Poem Analysis - Man Was Made To Mourn

Overall Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' "Man Was Made To Mourn" is a reflective and melancholic poem that explores the inherent suffering and struggles of human life. The poem begins with a somber tone, set against the backdrop of a cold November evening, and maintains a consistent mood of sorrow and contemplation. The speaker encounters an old man who shares his wisdom about the miseries of life, creating a dialogue that deepens the poem's introspective quality. The tone shifts slightly towards the end, offering a glimmer of hope and acceptance, but the overall impression is one of profound sadness and resignation.

Historical and Biographical Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, wrote this poem in the late 18th century, a time marked by significant social and economic inequalities. Burns himself experienced the hardships of rural life and the struggles of the working class, which likely influenced his perspective on human suffering. The poem reflects the social circumstances of his time, where the poor often labored to support the wealthy, and injustice was a common theme. This historical context enriches the poem's themes of inequality and the universal experience of mourning.

Themes of Suffering and Inequality

The primary theme of the poem is the universal suffering of mankind. The old man's reflections highlight the various stages of life, from youthful folly to the burdens of old age, all of which are marked by sorrow. The poem repeatedly emphasizes that man is made to mourn, suggesting an inherent sadness in the human condition. This theme is developed through the old man's observations about the labor of the poor supporting the pride of the wealthy, as seen in the lines: "The sun that overhangs yon moors, Out-spreading far and wide, Where hundreds labour to support A haughty lordling's pride." This stark contrast between the laborers and the lordling underscores the theme of inequality and the suffering it causes.

Themes of Human Nature and Inhumanity

The poem also explores the theme of human nature and the inhumanity that people often exhibit towards each other. The old man laments that man's inhumanity to man causes countless thousands to mourn. This is illustrated through the vivid image of a poor, overworked man begging for the chance to toil, only to be spurned by his lordly fellow, leaving a weeping wife and helpless offspring to mourn. This scene highlights the cruelty and indifference that can exist between people, contributing to the overall message of human suffering. The old man's question, "Why has man the will and pow'r To make his fellow mourn?" underscores the theme of inhumanity and the power dynamics that perpetuate suffering.

Themes of Hope and Acceptance

Towards the end of the poem, there is a subtle shift towards hope and acceptance. The old man acknowledges that there must be some recompense for the poor and oppressed, suggesting a belief in a higher justice or divine intervention. He also welcomes death as a friend, particularly for the weary and laden, indicating a form of acceptance and relief from suffering. This theme is encapsulated in the lines: "O Death! the poor man's dearest friend, The kindest and the best! Welcome the hour my aged limbs Are laid with thee at rest!" This acceptance of death as a relief from life's burdens adds a layer of complexity to the poem's themes, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and recurring symbols that contribute to its themes. The cold November blast and the bare fields and forests set a somber tone and symbolize the harshness of life. The old man's aged step and furrowed face serve as symbols of the weariness and care that come with age and experience. The sun overhanging the moors, where many labor to support a lordling's pride, is a powerful image of inequality and the toil of the poor. The weeping wife and helpless offspring represent the innocent victims of human cruelty and indifference. These symbols and images collectively reinforce the poem's themes of suffering, inequality, and the universal experience of mourning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Man Was Made To Mourn" by Robert Burns is a poignant exploration of human suffering, inequality, and the inhumanity that often characterizes human interactions. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, the poem delves into the themes of life's inherent sadness and the struggles of the poor. Despite the profound sadness, there is a subtle undercurrent of hope and acceptance, particularly in the old man's reflections on death as a relief from suffering. The poem's significance lies in its universal message about the human condition, reminding readers of the shared experiences of sorrow and the need for compassion and justice.