Poem Analysis - He Tillt And She Tillt

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem He Till't and She Till't presents a humorous and somewhat irreverent take on the process of childbearing. The poem's tone is lighthearted and playful, with a touch of rural Scottish dialect that adds to its charm. The mood remains consistent throughout, maintaining a sense of whimsy and amusement. The poem's simplicity and directness make it accessible, while its use of dialect gives it a unique, earthy flavor.

Historical and Cultural Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, often drew from the rural life and folklore of his homeland. His works frequently feature the Scottish dialect and themes of rural labor and community. This poem, with its agricultural imagery and colloquial language, fits well within Burns' broader oeuvre. The poem's setting in a farming context reflects the agrarian society of 18th-century Scotland, where much of the population was engaged in agricultural work. The use of farming terms and the focus on the physical labor involved in tilling the land underscore the poem's connection to this rural way of life.

Themes: Labor and Effort

The poem's central theme is the labor and effort involved in childbearing, presented through the metaphor of farming. The repeated phrase he till't, and she till't emphasizes the collaborative effort required. The use of agricultural terms like till't, dang, and flang highlights the physical exertion and determination involved. This theme is reinforced by the poem's focus on the process rather than the outcome, suggesting that the effort itself is significant, regardless of the result. The poem's humor lies in its straightforward depiction of a complex and often delicate subject, making it both relatable and amusing.

Themes: Gender Roles and Expectations

Another prominent theme is the exploration of gender roles and expectations. The poem plays with traditional roles, presenting the man and woman as equal partners in the labor of childbearing. The use of the phrase auld beld carl, which translates to old bald man, adds a touch of humor and challenges typical gender stereotypes. The poem's focus on the man's role in childbearing is particularly notable, as it subverts the usual expectations of male and female roles in this context. This theme is further emphasized by the poem's playful tone, which invites the reader to consider these roles in a new light.

Themes: The Unpredictability of Life

The final stanza introduces the theme of the unpredictability of life, highlighting the fact that despite all efforts, outcomes are not always as desired. The lines But he bor'd and she roar'd, An couldna mak a lassie o't suggest a sense of disappointment or surprise at the result. This theme is reinforced by the poem's focus on the process rather than the outcome, emphasizing that life's journey is as important as its destination. The poem's humor and lighthearted tone make this theme more palatable, inviting the reader to reflect on the unpredictability of life with a sense of amusement and acceptance.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem's use of agricultural imagery is its most striking feature. The repeated phrase he till't, and she till't creates a vivid picture of the physical labor involved in farming, which is used as a metaphor for childbearing. The terms dang and flang further emphasize the effort and energy required, while the final lines But he bor'd and she roar'd, An couldna mak a lassie o't introduce a sense of disappointment or surprise. The use of the term lassie, which means girl, highlights the specific outcome that was not achieved, adding a touch of humor and irony to the poem. This imagery not only makes the poem more engaging but also underscores its themes of labor, effort, and the unpredictability of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Burns' He Till't and She Till't is a playful and humorous exploration of childbearing, presented through the metaphor of farming. The poem's use of agricultural imagery, lighthearted tone, and subversion of traditional gender roles make it a unique and engaging piece. Its themes of labor, effort, and the unpredictability of life are presented in a way that is both relatable and amusing, inviting the reader to reflect on these themes with a sense of humor and acceptance. The poem's significance lies in its ability to take a complex and often delicate subject and present it in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.