Poem Analysis - What Will I Do Gin My Hoggie Die

Lament for a Lost Lamb: An Overview

Robert Burns' "What will I do gin my Hoggie die" is a deceptively simple poem, a lament for a young sheep (a "Hoggie") that quickly evolves into a meditation on vulnerability and the anxieties of rural life. The tone begins with a mix of affection and pride, evident in the opening lines, but soon darkens with foreboding. The poem effectively uses vivid imagery and natural sounds to create a sense of impending loss, shifting from a pastoral scene to one filled with threatening omens. Ultimately, it's a poignant expression of the precariousness of existence, particularly for those dependent on the land and its creatures.

The Fragility of Belonging

One of the central themes of the poem is the fragility of belonging and the deep connection between the speaker and their animal. The opening lines immediately establish the Hoggie as more than just livestock; it is "My joy, my pride." The statement "My only beast, I had nae mae" underscores the speaker's dependence on this single animal, highlighting the vulnerability of their livelihood. The potential loss of the Hoggie isn't just a financial one; it's a loss of joy and a disruption to the speaker's sense of well-being. The poem suggests that true wealth lies not in abundance, but in the preciousness of what one possesses.

Nature as a Harbinger of Doom

The poem masterfully uses nature to foreshadow and amplify the sense of threat. The second stanza sets a peaceful scene, "The lee-lang night we watch'd the fauld," with the faithful dog and the "roaring linn" (waterfall). However, this tranquility is quickly shattered. The third stanza introduces ominous sounds: "the houlet cry'd frae the Castle-wa'," "the blitter frae the boggie," and "the tod reply'd upon the hill." These animal cries, traditionally associated with bad luck or death, create a palpable sense of unease. The sounds aren't merely background noise; they are portents of impending danger, transforming the natural world from a comforting presence into a source of anxiety.

Symbolism of the Hoggie and the "Unco Tyke"

The Hoggie itself serves as a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. As a young sheep, it represents a new beginning and the potential for future prosperity. In stark contrast, the "unco tyke" (strange dog) that attacks the Hoggie symbolizes external threats and the unpredictable nature of life. The sudden appearance of the dog, leaping "o'er the dyke" (wall), disrupts the pastoral idyll and underscores the constant risk faced by those who depend on the land. The "unco tyke" is not simply a wild animal; it's a force of disruption, an unwelcome intrusion into a carefully maintained world.

A Question of Survival

The poem concludes without explicitly stating the Hoggie's fate. While the "unco tyke" "maist has kill'd my Hoggie," the finality of the loss is left unresolved. This ambiguity allows the reader to ponder the broader implications of the poem. Does the Hoggie survive? Does the speaker manage to save it? The open ending emphasizes the precariousness of survival and the enduring anxieties of a life lived in close proximity to the natural world. Ultimately, the poem serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of all living things and the profound emotional connections we form with the creatures around us.