Poem Analysis - Wad Ye Do That

A Cheeky Invitation and a Bawdy Rejection

Robert Burns' "Wad ye do that?" is a short, sharp, and surprisingly humorous poem. It presents a bold proposition and an even bolder response, showcasing a playful tone that quickly escalates into outright bawdiness. The poem unfolds as a dialogue, shifting from a suggestive question to a blunt, sexually charged retort, creating a memorable and impactful exchange. The initial, almost romantic suggestion quickly disintegrates under the weight of the woman’s unexpected and forceful reply.

Whispers of Social Norms

While the poem itself is fairly self-contained, understanding the societal context of 18th-century Scotland adds another layer. Burns was known for his ability to write in the common vernacular and address themes that resonated with ordinary people. This poem, with its focus on marital fidelity and female agency (or lack thereof, given societal expectations), touches on anxieties and unspoken truths within the domestic sphere of the time. The woman's response can be read as a subversion of traditional roles, a pushback against the idea that she's a passive object of desire.

Desire, Fidelity, and Female Agency

One of the central themes is desire. The young man's opening stanza clearly expresses his desire for the "gudewife," framing it with a veneer of concern for her comfort on "cauld" winter nights. However, the woman's response immediately redirects the conversation, highlighting the theme of fidelity, or rather, her surprising comfort within her existing marital relations. More significantly, the poem touches upon female agency, or the lack thereof in the social structures of the time, with her answer not only being sexually blunt but also asserting a degree of control over her own body and desires, even if framed within the context of her husband's actions. This is reinforced by her shift of power by directly answering the question with an even more daring question.

The Bed-Chamber: A Symbol of Intrigue

The bed-chamber is a key symbol throughout the poem. It initially represents a space of potential intimacy and illicit romance, the young man’s suggestion laden with anticipation. However, the woman reclaims this space in her response. Her bed-chamber becomes the location of routine, even aggressively enthusiastic, sexual activity with her husband. This transformation deflates the romantic potential and underscores the realities of married life, making the bed-chamber a symbol of established, if vigorous, conjugal relations rather than illicit passion. The image of "nights are cauld and wat" further emphasizes the intimacy of the bed-chamber, contrasting the cold outside to the implied warmth inside.

A Final, Bold Remark on Marriage

In conclusion, "Wad ye do that?" is a short poem packed with unexpected turns. It begins with a seemingly romantic proposition but quickly descends into raw sexuality and a blunt assessment of marital satisfaction. The poem, through its surprising dialogue, challenges conventional notions of desire and fidelity, ultimately offering a humorous, if somewhat shocking, glimpse into the complexities of marriage and female agency. The abruptness of the woman's response leaves the reader pondering the power dynamics at play and the unexpected ways individuals might find contentment within their established roles.