Poem Analysis - The Modiewark

An Ode to a Nuisance

Robert Burns's "The Modiewark" is a humorous and somewhat bawdy poem that uses the metaphor of a "modiewark," a mole, to represent something intrusive and unwelcome. The tone is initially lighthearted and exasperated, but it hints at a deeper, more suggestive meaning as the poem progresses. The repetition and folksy language contribute to its playful, yet slightly frustrated, atmosphere. By the end, it becomes clear that the "modiewark" is not just a pest, but a symbol of something more significant.

The Mole as a Metaphor

The central theme of the poem is the intrusion of something unwanted and persistent. The "modiewark," which literally means "mole," is used as a metaphor for an irritating and perhaps uncontrollable force. The poem traces its progression from a minor annoyance, "between my taes," to a more intimate and troubling presence, "below my sark." This movement suggests that the initial irritation has escalated into a deeper, more personal issue. The speaker's repeated desire to "consult some learned clark" highlights the sense of helplessness and the need for guidance in dealing with this problem.

Symbolism of the Blind Burrower

The "modiewark" itself is a potent symbol. Its blindness, mentioned in the line "This modiewark, tho' it be blin'," is significant. Blindness can represent a lack of awareness or control, suggesting that the intrusive force acts without conscious intent. The poem emphasizes how easily it can penetrate, "If ance its nose you lat it in," implying a certain vulnerability or lack of foresight on the part of the speaker. The quickness with which it disappears, "It's out o' sight, the modiewark," suggests that the issue is fleeting but recurrent, always threatening to resurface.

Marital Troubles and the Modiewark

The stanza referencing Marjorie's wedding night introduces another layer of interpretation. "When Marjorie was made a bride, / An Willy lay down by her side, / Syne nocht was hard, when a' was dark, / But kicking t the modiewark." Here, the "modiewark" seems to represent a disruption to marital bliss, potentially hinting at issues related to intimacy or sexual performance. The phrase "kicking t the modiewark" is suggestive and reinforces the idea of a frustrating and unwelcome presence within the relationship. This stanza grounds the metaphor in a specific social context, linking the personal annoyance with broader societal expectations and anxieties surrounding marriage.

A Lasting Disturbance

In conclusion, "The Modiewark" is more than just a humorous complaint about a mole. It uses the persistent burrowing animal as a symbol of an intrusive and unwelcome force, which could represent anything from a minor annoyance to a more significant disruption in personal or marital life. The poem's strength lies in its ability to use a simple, everyday image to evoke deeper anxieties and frustrations, leaving the reader to ponder the exact nature of the "modiewark" and its impact on the speaker's life. The poem’s charm resides in the fact that it never explicitly names the true source of discomfort, allowing for a range of interpretations and a lasting sense of ambiguity.