Poem Analysis - To Mrs C

A Token of Friendship and Admiration

Robert Burns's "To Mrs C" is a charming and sincere expression of gratitude and admiration. The poem, written to a gift from a woman (referred to as "Mrs C"), is a lighthearted tribute that blends compliments with a touch of playful self-deprecation. The poem maintains a consistently warm and appreciative tone, never straying from its central purpose of honoring the giver of the gift. There is a slight shift as Burns modestly inserts himself into the equation, showing appreciation for being deemed worthy of Mrs C's kindness.

Burns and His World

While details regarding the specific Mrs. C and the gift are not universally known, understanding Burns’s background enriches our appreciation. Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was celebrated for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his appreciation of beauty. His poems often celebrated friendship, love, and the beauty of nature. Knowing this informs our reading, reinforcing the interpretation that this poem is a sincere act of gratitude and esteem rather than merely a formal nicety.

Gratitude and Admiration: The Poem's Core Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is gratitude. The entire piece revolves around the speaker's thankfulness for a gift and the friendship it represents. Burns expresses this directly in lines such as "Thou flattering mark of friendship kind" and "But kind still, I mind still, / The giver in the gift." Beyond gratitude, the poem showcases profound admiration for Mrs. C. Burns praises her beauty, intelligence ("such a head"), and, most significantly, her character ("more the heart"). The idea of elevated friendship itself is a key theme. The last two lines, "I'll bless her and wiss her / A Friend aboon the Lift," express not only blessing, but wish her a friend even higher than the sky, suggesting a divine and eternal companionship.

Images of Value and Elevation

The poem uses imagery sparingly but effectively. The phrase "flattering mark" implies that the gift is something of value, both materially and emotionally. The word "beauteous" paints a vivid picture of Mrs. C, highlighting her physical attractiveness. The most striking image is "A Friend aboon the Lift." The "Lift" is an old Scots word for the sky or heavens. By wishing her a friend "aboon the Lift," Burns is not just expressing a wish for a good friend, but for a connection of almost divine quality. This elevates the idea of friendship, suggesting it is one of the highest and most valuable things in life.

A Final Note on Significance

"To Mrs C" is a short but heartfelt poem that beautifully captures the essence of gratitude and sincere admiration. Burns’s ability to express deep appreciation in such concise and elegant language is a testament to his skill as a poet. The poem’s significance lies in its simple yet powerful celebration of friendship, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and cherishing the kindness and qualities we admire in others. It stands as a timeless expression of respect and affection, delivered with Burns' characteristic charm.