Poem Analysis - To The Memory Of Mrs Oswald

Initial Impressions and Tone

Robert Burns' "To the Memory of Mrs. Oswald" presents a stark and condemning portrait of a wealthy, miserly woman. The poem's tone is harsh and accusatory, with a strong sense of moral judgment. The mood shifts from a grim description of the woman's life to a reflection on the futility of wealth in the face of mortality. The poem uses vivid imagery and stark contrasts to drive home its message about the consequences of greed and the insignificance of material wealth in the afterlife.

Historical and Biographical Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, often explored themes of social injustice and moral corruption in his works. The poem likely reflects the societal attitudes of his time, where wealth disparity was significant, and the moral failings of the wealthy were a subject of public scrutiny. Burns' own experiences with poverty and his observations of the wealthy elite in Scotland may have influenced his portrayal of Mrs. Oswald.

Themes: Greed and Its Consequences

The central theme of the poem is the destructive power of greed. The speaker describes Mrs. Oswald as a "Dweller in yon dungeon dark" and a "Hangman of creation," highlighting her miserly and uncharitable nature. The imagery of the "bursting purse" and the "deadly curse" suggests that her wealth has brought her nothing but misery and isolation. The poem implies that her greed has not only harmed others but also ensured her own miserable existence.

Themes: Mortality and the Futility of Wealth

The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the futility of wealth. The speaker questions the value of Mrs. Oswald's wealth in the face of death, asking, "And are they of no more avail, Ten thousand glittering pounds a-year?" The contrast between the "pompous bier" and the "wretched Vital Part" underscores the idea that wealth cannot save one from the inevitability of death. The final lines emphasize that even the poorest can find redemption, while the wealthy miser finds none.

Themes: Moral Judgment and Redemption

The poem delivers a strong moral judgment on Mrs. Oswald's character, portraying her as a "Plunderer of Armies" and a "Keeper of Mammon's iron chest." The speaker's condemnation is unyielding, and the poem suggests that her actions have doomed her to a fate worse than death. In contrast, the "cave-lodged Beggar" with a "conscience clear" finds redemption and peace in death, highlighting the poem's moral lesson that true worth lies not in wealth but in character.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The "dungeon dark" and the "iron chest" symbolize Mrs. Oswald's isolated and miserable existence, driven by her greed. The "bursting purse" and the "glittering pounds" represent the wealth that has consumed her life. The "wither'd Beldam's face" and the "rheum o'erflows" from her eye emphasize her aged and uncharitable nature. The contrast between the "pompous bier" and the "wretched Vital Part" underscores the futility of wealth in the face of death. The "cave-lodged Beggar" with a "conscience clear" symbolizes the redemption that comes from a life of virtue, even in poverty.

Conclusion

The poem "To the Memory of Mrs. Oswald" by Robert Burns serves as a powerful critique of greed and the futility of wealth. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Burns delivers a moral lesson about the consequences of a life driven by materialism. The poem's harsh judgment of Mrs. Oswald and its contrast with the redemption of the poor beggar underscore the idea that true worth lies in character, not in wealth. The poem's enduring significance lies in its timeless message about the dangers of greed and the importance of living a life of virtue and compassion.