Poem Analysis - On A Suicide Two

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem On a Suicide Two presents a stark and unflinching look at the consequences of suicide. The tone is darkly humorous and cynical, reflecting a blend of pity and condemnation for the subject. The poem begins with a harsh assessment of the deceased, shifting to a more reflective mood as it considers the eternal fate of the individual. The brevity of the poem, coupled with its blunt language, underscores the gravity of the subject matter.

Themes of Judgment and Mortality

The poem explores several themes, with judgment and mortality being the most prominent. The opening lines Earth'd up, here lies an imp o' hell, Planted by Satan's dibble immediately establish a tone of condemnation. The use of the term imp o' hell suggests that the deceased is seen as inherently evil, deserving of eternal damnation. This theme of judgment is reinforced by the phrase Poor silly wretch, he's damned himsel, which implies that the individual has brought this fate upon himself. The poem also delves into the theme of mortality, highlighting the finality of death and the eternal consequences that follow. The phrase To save the Lord the trouble adds a layer of irony, suggesting that the individual's suicide has spared God the effort of judging him, further emphasizing the theme of judgment.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. The phrase Planted by Satan's dibble is particularly striking, using agricultural imagery to suggest that the individual was deliberately planted in hell by Satan. This imagery underscores the theme of judgment, portraying the deceased as a deliberate choice of Satan, deserving of eternal punishment. The use of the term dibble, a tool used for planting seeds, adds a layer of irony, suggesting that the individual's soul has been planted in hell like a seed, destined to grow into something evil. The poem's final line, On John Bushby, Esq., Tinwald Downs, serves as a stark reminder of the individual's earthly identity, contrasting with the eternal fate described in the poem. This contrast highlights the theme of mortality, emphasizing the finality of death and the eternal consequences that follow.

Conclusion and Final Insight

In conclusion, Robert Burns' On a Suicide Two is a powerful exploration of judgment and mortality. Through its use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem conveys a stark message about the consequences of suicide. The poem's dark humor and cynical tone serve to underscore the gravity of the subject matter, while its themes of judgment and mortality offer a profound reflection on the eternal fate of the individual. The poem's final insight is a reminder of the finality of death and the eternal consequences that follow, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of suicide.