Poem Analysis - Shes Fair And Fause

Introduction: A Bitter Lament

Robert Burns' "She's fair and fause" is a brief but potent lament about lost love and betrayal. The poem begins with a raw, almost despairing tone, fueled by the speaker's heartbreak and anger. However, it shifts subtly towards a more cynical and philosophical resignation as the speaker attempts to rationalize his loss. The overall impression is one of wounded pride and a grudging acceptance of the perceived fickleness of women.

Contextualizing Burns's Voice

Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet, often explored themes of love, social class, and the human condition in his work. His poems frequently reflect the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people. "She's fair and fause" aligns with this tradition, presenting a relatable tale of romantic disappointment and the speaker's attempt to cope with it using the vernacular language common to the time.

The Sting of Betrayal and the Acceptance of Loss

One of the main themes is undoubtedly betrayal. The opening lines immediately establish this: "She's fair and fause that causes my smart,/She's broken her vow, she's broken my heart." The repetition of "broken" emphasizes the depth of the speaker's pain. The second theme is the speaker's gradual shift towards rationalization and acceptance of loss. He attempts to console himself with the thought that "woman is but warld's gear," suggesting that women are essentially commodities and that his loss is merely material. Another notable theme is blame and justification, the speaker transitions from feeling pain to blaming women as a whole for their perceived fickleness. Lines like, "Nae ferlie 'tis tho' fickle she prove,/A woman has't by kind;" suggests he thinks betrayal is in the nature of women.

The Allure and Deceit of Appearance

The poem uses the image of the "angel form" as a symbol of woman's deceptive beauty. The speaker acknowledges, "O woman, lovely woman fair!/An angel form's faun to thy share," but then quickly adds that it would have been "o'er meikle" to give her "an angel mind." This suggests a belief that outward beauty often masks an inner deficiency or moral failing. The phrase "fair and fause" itself is a concise encapsulation of this idea – the woman is beautiful ("fair") but also deceitful ("fause").

The "Coof" and the Price of Love

The introduction of the "coof" (a fool) who enters "wi' routh o' gear" (with plenty of wealth) serves as a stark reminder of the economic realities that can influence romantic relationships. The "coof" isn't necessarily presented as a particularly desirable individual, but his wealth gives him an advantage over the speaker. This highlights a potential tension between love and material security. Does love transcend economic circumstances, or is it ultimately subject to them?

Conclusion: A Resigned Cynicism

In conclusion, "She's fair and fause" is a poignant expression of heartbreak tempered by a cynical worldview. The poem charts a journey from raw pain to a grudging acceptance of loss, fueled by a belief in the inherent fickleness of women. While the speaker's attempt to rationalize his pain may not be entirely convincing, it offers a glimpse into the complex emotions that accompany betrayal and the struggle to make sense of a broken heart. The poem's significance lies in its honest portrayal of human vulnerability and the enduring power of love and loss to shape our perspectives.