Poem Analysis - The Weary Pund O Tow

A Humorous Tale of Marital Strife

Robert Burns' "The Weary Pund O Tow" is a lighthearted and humorous poem depicting a frustrated husband's woes regarding his wife's apparent inability (or unwillingness) to spin flax ("tow"). The poem is filled with a comedic tone, stemming from the husband's increasingly exasperated perspective. While initially expressing worry about his wife's well-being, the poem quickly shifts into a darker, yet still humorous, territory as it hints at domestic discord and the husband's eventual morbid (but funny) acceptance of his situation. The poem uses vivid imagery and colloquial language to paint a picture of rural Scottish life and marital frustrations.

The Drudgery of Work and Resistance

One of the primary themes of the poem is the drudgery of work and resistance to it. The wife's unwillingness to spin the flax is central to the narrative. The "weary pund o' tow" becomes a symbol of the unfulfilled task and the husband's mounting frustration. The wife's preference for "the tither souk" (another sip) from the bottle, rather than working, highlights her resistance to the expected labor. This theme is developed through the repetition of the opening lines, emphasizing the husband's persistent annoyance, and through the contrast between his expectations and his wife's actions. The image of the bottle "beyont the ingle low" (beyond the fire) suggests a source of comfort and escape for the wife, further emphasizing her avoidance of work.

Domestic Discord and its Absurdity

The poem also explores the theme of domestic discord. The husband and wife are clearly at odds, and their relationship is far from harmonious. This is exemplified by the wife's violent reaction to her husband's nagging: "She took the rock, and wi' a knock, / She brak it o'er my pow." This act of defiance underscores the tension in their marriage. However, the poem presents this discord in a humorous light, bordering on the absurd. The wife's violent act is presented not as a tragedy but as a farcical display of marital conflict. This is further reinforced by the husband's seemingly accepting and humorous response. The fact that he jokingly prefers to be "wallop[ed] in a tow" rather than marry another woman like her presents the situation in a darkly comedic light.

Escape Through Drink and its Consequences

The theme of escape through drink is subtly woven throughout the poem. The image of the bottle "in a bole" (a recess or cupboard) suggests that the wife is turning to alcohol to cope with the tedious task of spinning. Her repeated "souk[s]" (sips) from the bottle symbolize her attempt to escape the monotony and drudgery of her work. While the poem does not explicitly condemn her drinking, it implies that her reliance on alcohol is contributing to her inability to complete the spinning. This is further reinforced by the husband's frustration with her "dirty" state, suggesting that her drinking is not only hindering her work but also leading to a decline in her personal hygiene.

Symbolism of the Tow and the Rock

The "pund o' tow" itself acts as a recurring symbol of unfulfilled expectations and marital discord. It represents the husband's desire for his wife to fulfill her traditional role, and her failure to do so. The "rock" (distaff), the tool used for spinning, also carries symbolic weight. It represents the wife's agency. When she breaks it over her husband's head, it's a clear signal of her rebellion. It symbolizes her active resistance to the expectations placed upon her and her refusal to be controlled. It is an act of defiance. Is the poem suggesting that the expectations of women during that time were so great that acts of violence were a consequence of a woman not being able to deal with such expectations?

Concluding Thoughts: Humor in Frustration

In conclusion, "The Weary Pund O Tow" is a humorous exploration of marital discord, resistance to work, and the allure of escape. Through vivid imagery, colloquial language, and a comedic tone, Robert Burns paints a picture of a frustrated husband and a rebellious wife. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find humor in the everyday struggles of rural life and to offer a lighthearted perspective on the challenges of marital relationships. The poem might offer an insight into the power dynamic between the man and woman as well as highlight the drudgery of women’s work at the time.