Poem Analysis - She Says She Loes Me Best Of A

Introduction: An Idealized Love Song

Robert Burns's "She says she lo'es me best of a'" is a charming and idealized portrayal of love, painted with vibrant imagery and a lighthearted tone. The poem celebrates the beauty and captivating nature of Chloris, the object of the speaker's affection. Its overall tone is one of adoration and blissful contentment, shifting gently from physical admiration to a yearning for shared romantic experiences in nature. This progression underscores the depth of the speaker's love, moving beyond superficial attraction.

Burns and Romantic Expression

Robert Burns, a national poet of Scotland, lived during a time of burgeoning Romanticism, a movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and the individual experience. His Scottish heritage and use of Scots dialect lent authenticity to his work, grounding his often idealized subjects in a tangible reality. This poem, with its focus on natural beauty and deeply felt emotion, reflects these Romantic ideals. While the poem doesn’t directly engage with overt political or social commentary, it indirectly highlights the value of simple pleasures and genuine affection, perhaps offering a gentle contrast to the more complex and artificial aspects of urban life.

The Enduring Power of Beauty

One of the poem's central themes is the enduring power of beauty, both physical and natural, to inspire and captivate. Chloris's beauty is repeatedly emphasized, from her "flaxen" hair and "laughing e'en o' bonie blue" to her graceful movements that "wad make a saint forget the sky." This beauty is not merely superficial; it represents a deeper connection to the speaker's soul. The poem also elevates natural beauty, positioning the "lonely valley" and "dewy eve" as a more desirable setting for love than the "city" with its "gaudy shew." The emphasis on nature underscores the speaker's desire for an authentic and genuine connection with Chloris.

Love's Promising Future

The theme of love's promising future is interwoven throughout the poem. The repeated phrase, "She says, she lo'es me best of a'," acts as a constant reassurance and a foundation for the speaker's hopes. This phrase underscores the mutuality of their affection, suggesting a shared commitment. Furthermore, the final stanza envisions a future where the couple roams together in nature, listening to the "amorous thrush" and exchanging vows. This idyllic scene paints a picture of a lasting and fulfilling relationship rooted in shared experiences and devotion.

Yearning for Intimacy

Beneath the surface admiration lies a subtle theme of yearning for intimacy. While the poem celebrates Chloris's physical beauty and grace, it also expresses a desire for a deeper, more personal connection. The speaker longs to share intimate moments with Chloris in a secluded natural setting. The imagery of the "wimpling burn and leafy shaw" evokes a sense of privacy and tranquility, suggesting a space where the speaker can fully express his "vows o' truth and love." This yearning reveals the speaker's desire for a love that transcends mere physical attraction.

Recurring Image: The Eye

The poem uses the image of the eye recurrently, acting as a visual metaphor for both beauty and captivation. Chloris's "laughing e'en o' bonie blue" are the first physical attribute mentioned, immediately establishing her allure. Later, her "pretty ancle is a spy," which may be interpreted as being a metaphor for her beauty which seems to see everything. The eyes symbolize her captivating gaze and the way she enthralls the speaker. The phrase "laughing e'en" also hints at an open and joyful personality, making the physical attraction more profound.

Concluding Thoughts: A Celebration of Idealized Love

In conclusion, "She says she lo'es me best of a'" is a delightful and evocative celebration of idealized love. Through vivid imagery, heartfelt emotion, and the recurring motif of beauty, Burns crafts a portrait of adoration and hopeful anticipation. The poem suggests that true love is found not in superficial attractions, but in a deep connection that intertwines beauty, shared experiences, and a mutual promise of devotion, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful natural world. While perhaps presenting a somewhat romanticized view of love, the poem resonates with its sincere expression of affection and its longing for a future filled with shared happiness.