Poem Analysis - There Was Twa Wives

A Brawl and its Uncomfortable Consequences

Robert Burns's "There Was Twa Wives" is a bawdy, humorous, and unflinchingly crude depiction of a quarrel between two women that escalates into a public, and rather messy, bodily function mishap. The poem's tone is lighthearted and comical, relying heavily on vulgar imagery for its comedic effect. There is a shift from a verbal argument to physical consequence, escalating from name-calling to Maggie's urgent, undignified flight. The poem is written in Scots dialect.

Societal Norms and the Breakdown of Propriety

While Burns's work often reflected the lives and language of ordinary Scottish people, this particular poem seems to subvert traditional expectations of female decorum. The very act of the women being involved in a heated argument, fuelled by brandy, challenges the image of women as gentle and passive. The humour derives from the contrast between societal expectations of female propriety and the stark reality of Maggie's explosive predicament, made even more vulgar by the graphic descriptions of her unfortunate accident.

The Unvarnished Truth of the Human Body

One prominent theme is the poem's unflinching focus on the reality of bodily functions. Burns does not shy away from describing Maggie's flatulence ("she farted by the byre-en'") or her eventual incontinence ("the beans and pease cam down her thighs, / And she cackit a' her stockins"). This crude realism contrasts sharply with more romanticized depictions of life, showcasing the messy and often embarrassing aspects of the human body. By presenting these realities in such a blunt and humorous way, Burns invites the reader to confront and perhaps even laugh at the universal experience of bodily imperfection.

The Embarrassment and Humiliation of Public Mishap

The theme of public humiliation is also central to the poem. Maggie's desperate attempt to find a remedy ("raxin for some dockins") only exacerbates her predicament, leading to a thoroughly embarrassing outcome. The poem vividly paints the picture of her shame and discomfiture, emphasizing the potential for ordinary situations to devolve into comedic disaster. The focus on the physical details amplifies the sense of mortification, highlighting the gap between Maggie's intended actions and their unfortunate result.

The Power of the Image: Dockins and Decay

The image of the "dockins" – plants traditionally used to soothe skin irritations – is ironically presented. Maggie’s attempt to use these to alleviate her discomfort only leads to further humiliation. They symbolize a futile effort to regain control and dignity in a situation that has spiraled out of control. The final image of Maggie "cackit a' her stockins" is not only visceral but also encapsulates the poem's crude humour. It is an unforgettable image of a body in disarray, a symbol of the ultimate loss of control and the messy reality of human existence.

A Comedic Catharsis

"There Was Twa Wives" is a poem that, through its bawdy humour and vivid imagery, exposes the messy realities of the human body and the potential for public humiliation. By subverting expectations of decorum and embracing the vulgar, Burns creates a comedic catharsis, inviting the reader to laugh at the absurdity of life and the inevitability of bodily imperfection. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its uninhibited portrayal of human experience, offering a humorous, if somewhat crude, reminder of our shared vulnerability.