Poem Analysis - Up In The Morning Early

A Winter's Lament: Introduction

Robert Burns' "Up In the Morning Early" is a simple yet evocative poem that paints a vivid picture of winter's harshness and the speaker's reluctance to face it. The poem possesses a melancholic tone, tinged with a hint of self-pity, as the speaker repeatedly expresses their aversion to waking up early in the cold. While seemingly straightforward, the poem subtly explores themes of hardship, resignation, and the desire for comfort amidst a bleak environment.

The Weight of Winter's Hardship

One of the central themes of the poem is the hardship imposed by winter. Burns vividly describes the brutal conditions, using powerful imagery to convey the season's severity. The opening lines, "Cauld blaws the wind frae east to west, / The drift is driving sairly," immediately establish the biting cold and relentless wind. The phrase "drift is driving sairly" suggests a painful, forceful onslaught of snow. The birds, "chittering in the thorn," further emphasize the suffering caused by the winter. Their "sparely" fare implies a scarcity of food and a struggle for survival. These concrete details combine to create a palpable sense of hardship and underscore the speaker's reluctance to leave their warm bed.

Resignation and Acceptance

Another prominent theme is the speaker's resignation to the realities of winter. The repeated refrain, "Up in the morning's no for me, / Up in the morning early; / When a' the hills are covered wi' snaw, / I'm sure it's winter fairly," becomes a mantra of sorts. The speaker acknowledges the undeniable presence of winter ("I'm sure it's winter fairly") and, rather than fighting it, seems to passively accept its influence over their life. The phrase "Up in the morning's no for me," repeated throughout the poem, is not necessarily an act of defiance, but rather an expression of the speaker's desire to avoid the harshness of the season. The simplicity of the language reinforces this sense of resignation, as if the speaker has already succumbed to winter's power.

The Comfort of Indoor Warmth: A Subtle Desire

While not explicitly stated, the poem also hints at a subtle theme: the desire for comfort. The speaker's aversion to waking up early suggests a longing for the warmth and security of their bed. The vivid descriptions of the cold outside implicitly highlight the appeal of remaining indoors, sheltered from the wind and snow. The fact that the speaker is so adamant about not wanting to get up hints at a deeper yearning for a more comfortable existence, free from the challenges and hardships of winter. This desire is not overtly expressed, but it simmers beneath the surface of the poem, adding another layer to its emotional complexity.

Recurring Images: Snow and Wind

The poem uses recurring images, particularly snow and wind, to emphasize the dominant theme of winter's harshness. The phrase "a' the hills are covered wi' snaw" paints a picture of a landscape completely engulfed by the season. The wind, described as "Cauld" and blowing "frae east to west," symbolizes the pervasive and relentless nature of winter's cold. These images not only contribute to the overall atmosphere of the poem but also serve as constant reminders of the difficulties faced by those who must endure the season's challenges. It is worth noting that even the act of naming the direction from which the wind blows (east to west) adds to the feeling of inescapable cold.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Sentiment

In conclusion, Robert Burns' "Up In the Morning Early" is a poignant portrayal of winter's hardship and the human desire for comfort. Through vivid imagery, simple language, and a repetitive refrain, the poem effectively conveys the speaker's reluctance to face the cold and their resignation to the realities of the season. While seemingly a simple lament, the poem taps into a universal feeling – the desire to escape discomfort and find solace in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a timeless sentiment: the human yearning for warmth and security amidst the bleakness of winter.