Poem Analysis - Whall Mow Me Now

An Introduction to Betrayal and Lament

Robert Burns' "Wha'll Mow Me Now" is a poignant lament sung by a young woman grappling with the consequences of a sexual encounter with a soldier. The poem's tone shifts between despair, anger, and a sardonic acknowledgement of societal hypocrisy. The repetitive refrain underscores the woman's feeling of helplessness and the irrevocability of her situation. While centered on individual experience, the poem expands to critique broader social inequalities and gendered expectations.

The Soldier's Seed and Lost Innocence: A Central Theme

A central theme in "Wha'll Mow Me Now" is the loss of innocence and the harsh reality of sexual exploitation. The opening lines, "O Wha'll mow me now, my jo, / An' wha'll mow me now: / A sodger wi' his bandileers / Has bang'd my belly fu'," immediately establish the speaker's predicament. The phrase "bang'd my belly fu'" is a crude but effective euphemism for sexual intercourse, emphasizing the violent and exploitative nature of the encounter. The speaker contrasts her present state with her past, lamenting, "O' I hae tint my rosy cheek, / Likewise my waste sae sma'," revealing the physical and emotional toll of the experience. The phrase “tint my rosy cheek” symbolizes the disappearance of her youth and beauty, while “waste sae sma” suggests the loss of her slender figure due to pregnancy, indicating a loss of innocence.

Hypocrisy Unveiled: Double Standards of Morality

The poem vigorously attacks the hypocrisy prevalent in the society of the time, especially regarding female sexuality. The speaker points out the double standards faced by women, noting, "Now I maun thole the scornfu' sneer / O' mony a' saucy quine; / When, curse upon her godly face! / Her cunt's as merry's mine." This verse reveals the injustice of facing judgment when others indulge in the same activities without consequence. She further criticizes the "dame" who "hauds up her wanton tail / As due as she gaes lie," accusing her of engaging in similar behaviors while simultaneously condemning younger women for doing the same. The word "misca's" is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the unjustified judgement and accusations thrown toward the speaker. This underscores the societal hypocrisy that allows older, married women to engage in sexual activity (within or outside marriage) while condemning unmarried or younger women who do the same.

Love's Bitter Fruit and Abandonment

Another theme explored is the painful disillusionment with love and the devastating impact of abandonment. The lines "Alake! sae sweet a tree as love, / Sic bitter fruit should bear! / Alake, that e'er a merry arse, / Should draw a sa'tty tear," encapsulates the tragic paradox of love turning sour. The image of "sweet a tree as love" is contrasted with the "bitter fruit," highlighting the discrepancy between the idealized view of love and the painful reality of its consequences. The speaker also directs her anger towards the soldier who "Denies the bairn he got! / Or lea's the merry arse he loe'd / To wear a ragged coat!" His abandonment is presented as a moral failing, leaving the woman to face poverty and social ostracism. The "ragged coat" symbolizes her reduced social standing and economic hardship.

The Recurring Image of Mowing: A Question of Exploitation and Agency

The central image of "mowing" serves as a powerful metaphor for sexual exploitation and the loss of agency. The repeated question, "Wha'll mow me now," can be interpreted as "Who will take advantage of me now?" or "Who will provide for me now?" depending on the context. The speaker's concern can be seen as a desperate plea for help and support, but it also hints at a cynical acceptance of her fate. The word "mow" is associated with harvesting or reaping, suggesting that the woman feels like a field being exploited and left bare. Is the speaker solely lamenting her situation or is there an underlying defiance against the system that allows such exploitation? The ambiguity leaves room for interpretation regarding the speaker's level of empowerment.

Concluding Thoughts: A Voice of Protest

In conclusion, "Wha'll Mow Me Now" is more than just a personal lament; it is a powerful critique of social injustice, gender inequality, and the devastating consequences of unchecked male privilege. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and the repeated refrain, Burns crafts a compelling narrative of a woman's struggle against societal hypocrisy and abandonment. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to expose the vulnerabilities of women in a patriarchal society and to give voice to those who are often silenced. The poem encourages readers to question prevailing moral standards and to recognize the human cost of societal indifference.