Poem Analysis - Second Epistle To J Lapraik

Overall Impression

Robert Burns' "Second Epistle to J. Lapraik" is a warm and witty poem, a friendly conversation put to verse. The poem starts with a down-to-earth acknowledgement of daily life, then smoothly transitions into gratitude and reflections on the poet's craft. The tone is largely lighthearted and conversational, yet interspersed with moments of heartfelt sentiment and social commentary. There's a noticeable shift from the humorous self-deprecation in the opening to a more serious consideration of life's values and the role of the poet.

Burns' Background and Social Commentary

Robert Burns was a celebrated Scottish poet who wrote in the Scots language. His background was very influential on his poetry. He was raised on a farm and had first hand experience with the hardships and joys of rural life. His work often reflects the struggles of the common person, and "Second Epistle To J. Lapraik" is no exception. The poem reflects Burns’s views on social class and the value of honest living, a recurrent theme throughout his works. He critiques the materialistic pursuits of the wealthy and elevates the simple pleasures of friendship and artistic expression. These elements are central to understanding the poem's message.

Friendship and Artistic Integrity

One of the poem’s central themes is friendship. The entire poem is a response to a letter from Lapraik, and Burns emphasizes his gratitude for Lapraik's kindness. This is evident in lines like, "To honest-hearted, auld Lapraik, / For his kind letter." Another prominent theme is artistic integrity. Burns humorously personifies his "awkart Muse," who resists writing, but he ultimately compels her to create. He resolves to write "a hearty blaud" despite his Muse's objections, suggesting a commitment to his craft even when it's challenging. These two themes intertwine when Burns declares that mankind were a pack o' cartes and that bold Lapraik is the "King of Hearts." The third theme is the role of simple living. Burns openly declares that he would not shift to be with cities or lairds, as that is not what's important to him.

Imagery and Symbolism of Fortune

The poem uses vivid imagery drawn from rural life. Images like "new-ca'd kye rowte at the stake" and "pownies reek in pleugh or braik" create a tangible sense of place and time. Recurring imagery includes the personification of Fortune as a fickle and sometimes cruel force. Burns describes Fortune as "a bitch" who has given him "mony a jirt an' fleg," yet he remains determined to "laugh an' sing, an' shake my leg." This creates a sense of resilience and a defiant spirit in the face of hardship. The image of shaking his leg shows he is living in the moment rather than worrying about the future.

Moral Values and Societal Critique

The final stanzas shift to a more overtly moral tone. Burns contrasts the values of the "sordid sons o' Mammon's line" with the "ragged followers o' the Nine," associating wealth with darkness and artistic pursuit with light. The contrast supports the poem's overall message that moral virtue and genuine human connection are more valuable than material wealth. Burns' reference to a "mandate glorious and divine" stating that "the social, friendly, honest man…'Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan," encapsulates the poem’s core philosophy.

Concluding Thoughts

"Second Epistle to J. Lapraik" is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the commitment to artistic expression, and the importance of living an honest life. Through vivid imagery, humor, and heartfelt sentiment, Burns crafts a poem that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Its significance lies in its celebration of simple values and its gentle critique of societal priorities, reminding us that true worth is found not in riches or status, but in the bonds we share and the art we create.