Poem Analysis - There Cam A Cadger

A Bawdy Anecdote from Fife

Robert Burns's "There Cam A Cadger" is a short, humorous, and decidedly bawdy poem. It presents a brief narrative anecdote that relies on double entendre for its comedic effect. The tone is lighthearted and mischievous, with a subtle undercurrent of playful challenge to societal norms. The poem's brevity enhances its impact, leaving the reader to fill in the blanks and relish the suggestive nature of the encounter.

The Traveling Salesman's Prank

Given Burns's reputation as a champion of the common person and his often irreverent attitude towards social conventions, it’s plausible that "There Cam A Cadger" serves as a gentle ribbing of traditional power dynamics. The "cadger" or traveling salesman, from Fife, embodies a figure of itinerant independence, and his interaction with the "gudewife" (goodwife), a married woman, suggests a temporary subversion of expected roles. The poem doesn't judge the interaction morally, but rather presents it as a mischievous incident.

Illusion vs Reality

One dominant theme is the playful exploitation of illusion and reality. The poem skillfully employs innuendo, never explicitly stating the nature of the "trick" played. The reader is left to imagine the scenario, guided by the wife's suggestive reaction, which is central to the poem's humor. The suggestive language creates a thin veil over the actual event. The theme of the deceptive nature of language is used for comedic effect. The poem’s effectiveness relies on the reader's interpretation.

The Power of Suggestion: A Piercing Image

The central image of the "lang thing stout and strang" being "strack it in her gyvel" is undeniably provocative. The word "gyvel" adds a layer of rural Scottish vernacular to the image, making it both intimate and slightly crude. The wife’s reaction, feeling the "thing / Gae borin' by her nyvel," is crucial. The imagery is undeniably sexual, yet the poem maintains a level of ambiguity. The "lang thing" could represent various phallic symbols, however, the lack of explicit detail allows for various interpretations.

A Wink and a Nudge: Burns's Lasting Appeal

"There Cam A Cadger" exemplifies Burns's talent for crafting accessible and entertaining verse. Its bawdy humor and clever use of innuendo demonstrate his ability to engage with universal themes of sexuality and social interaction in a lighthearted and relatable way. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its simple narrative structure, memorable imagery, and the mischievous spirit it embodies. Ultimately, it’s a playful wink at the complexities of human relationships, delivered with a distinctly Scottish flair.