Poem Analysis - When She Cam Ben She Bobbed

Robert Burns's "When she cam ben she bobbed" is a charming and defiant ballad that champions natural beauty and genuine worth over social status. The poem begins with a humorous anecdote, then shifts into a celebration of a "Collier-lassie" (a coal miner's daughter) and concludes with a direct assertion of her inherent value. The tone transitions from gossipy and amused to heartfelt and empowering, highlighting the poet's egalitarian spirit and his appreciation for the simple virtues of ordinary people.

Burns and Social Commentary

Robert Burns, often called the national poet of Scotland, was known for his poems that celebrated rural life and the common person while often critiquing the rigid social hierarchies of his time. Understanding this context is crucial. Burns frequently used his poetry to challenge the perceived superiority of the aristocracy and highlight the intrinsic worth of the working class. In this poem, he uses the story of Cockpen and the Collier-lassie to make a broader statement about beauty, value, and societal prejudice.

Love, Social Class, and Intrinsic Value

The poem touches on several interconnected themes. Love is subtly explored through the (perhaps unwanted) kiss from the Collier-lassie to Cockpen, and implicitly in the speaker's admiration for her. More overtly, the poem grapples with social class. Cockpen's potential rejection of the "dochter of a lord" in favor of the Collier-lassie is a blatant act of social transgression, and it is this transgression that is initially presented in the first two stanzas. But the primary theme is intrinsic value. The speaker asserts that the Collier-lassie's inherent worth, defined by her natural beauty and hard work, surpasses the artificial status afforded by wealth and title. This is explicitly stated in the third and fourth stanzas, where the speaker praises the lassie's beauty and the quality of her handmade clothing, deeming her even "braw"-er than Lady Jean.

Symbols of Natural Beauty and Labor

Several images work to reinforce the poem's message. The "bobbed fu' law" (bowed very low) signifies the Collier-lassie’s initial deference, perhaps reflecting the social expectations placed upon her. However, this deference is soon replaced by a celebration of her unique qualities. The "coat and sark" that are her "ain handywark" symbolize her self-reliance and industriousness. They are not mere clothing; they are emblems of her labor and skill, contrasting sharply with the "silk and holland sae sma'" (silk and fine linen) of the upper class. The phrase implies that her worth is not measured by the fineness of her clothing. The "lips are as sweet and thy figure compleat" imagery emphasizes her natural beauty. Is this an idealized view of the collier-lassie? Perhaps, but it serves to highlight the speaker's belief that natural beauty and hard work are superior to artificial status.

A Celebration of Authenticity

In conclusion, "When she cam ben she bobbed" is more than just a humorous anecdote. It's a social commentary disguised as a ballad, delivered with Burns's characteristic charm. The poem celebrates the intrinsic worth of the working class and challenges the rigid social hierarchies of the time. By elevating the Collier-lassie above the "finest dame in castle or ha'," Burns underscores his belief that true beauty and value reside not in social status or material possessions, but in the simple virtues of honesty, hard work, and natural grace. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of authenticity and a gentle but firm rebuke of societal prejudice.