Poem Analysis - Act Sederunt Of The Session

A Bawdy Mockery of the Law

Robert Burns' "Act Sederunt of the Session" is a short, satirical poem dripping with irreverence. It adopts a mocking tone toward the Edinburgh legal system, specifically a fictitious decree concerning male arousal. The poem's humor stems from the stark contrast between the solemnity of the law and the inherently comical subject matter. It's a lighthearted jab at authority, characterized by bawdy wordplay and a playful exaggeration of legal consequences.

Burns, Scotland, and Social Commentary

Robert Burns was a celebrated Scottish poet known for his social commentary and his ability to connect with the common people. He often poked fun at the establishment and used his poetry as a platform to express his views on various social issues. In this poem, he critiques what he sees as the absurdity and hypocrisy of legal authority through hyperbole and humor. The poem's Scottish dialect roots the piece firmly in its cultural context, offering a glimpse into Burns' perspective on the social norms and power structures of his time.

The Absurdity of Moral Legislation

One central theme is the absurdity of attempting to legislate morality, particularly when it comes to natural human urges. The poem presents the idea of criminalizing male arousal as inherently ridiculous. Burns implies that such laws are not only unenforceable but also a waste of resources. The poem suggests that attempting to control human nature through legal means is a futile endeavor, highlighting the disconnect between legal pronouncements and the realities of human experience.

Power and the Grotesque

The poem explores the theme of power dynamics by inverting the usual power relationship between the law and the individual. The "Act Sederunt" declares that any man with an erection is a "fauteor" (offender) and subject to imprisonment. However, the poem simultaneously suggests that every "lass has ane in her possession," creating a bizarre power dynamic where women hold the key to men's legal demise. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the complex power dynamics between men and women, where the male 'offense' is both a source of shame and of female power.

Humor as Social Critique

The poem's primary device is humor used as social critique. The repetition of the "Act Sederunt" refrain emphasizes the ridiculousness of the law. The image of men "wailing and weeping" in dungeons for their arousal is a comical exaggeration. The juxtaposition of serious legal language with such a base subject creates a farcical effect, suggesting that some laws are simply laughable. The humor serves as a vehicle for questioning the wisdom and validity of legal pronouncements that attempt to control personal behavior.

Symbolism of the Dungeon

The "dungeons deep" are a recurring image, symbolizing the consequences of violating the "Act Sederunt." However, the dungeon's connection to female possession suggests a more complex symbolism. The dungeon could be interpreted not just as a place of punishment, but also as a space of confinement and control. The fact that each "lass has ane in her possession" could be interpreted as both the power they hold and the potential for corruption or abuse of that power. Is the dungeon a symbol of justice, or a representation of the ways in which power can be wielded in intimate relationships and by society at large?

Final Thoughts: Laughter as Resistance

In conclusion, "Act Sederunt of the Session" is a witty and satirical poem that uses bawdy humor to critique the absurdity of attempting to legislate morality. Through its exaggerated scenarios and playful language, Burns mocks the pomposity of the Edinburgh legal system and questions the wisdom of laws that attempt to control natural human behavior. The poem's significance lies in its ability to use laughter as a form of resistance, reminding us to question authority and to find humor in the face of societal absurdities.