Poem Analysis - Will Ye Na Can Ye Na Let Me Be

A Bawdy Brew: Introduction

Robert Burns' "Will ye na can ye na let me be" is a playful and suggestive poem centered on a wife's reaction to a traveling thresher. The poem maintains a light-hearted, almost comical tone throughout, driven by the woman's increasingly obvious and humorously expressed desire. There are no clear shifts in mood; the poem remains consistently bawdy and flirtatious from start to finish. The recurring line, "Will ye na can ye na let me be," acts as both a plea and a challenge, adding to the poem's overall sense of teasing.

The Social Context of Merriment

Robert Burns was known for his poems that often explored themes of rural life, social class, and, of course, love and relationships, often with a humorous and satirical edge. Given his background, the poem reflects an interest in the everyday lives and desires of ordinary people. The poem is set in a rural context, where social interactions may have been more direct and less restrained. The poem reflects a society in which conversations and innuendos could be more candid, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics of Burns' time.

Desire and Humor in Full Flow: A Central Theme

One of the poem's central themes is undisguised desire, which is handled with a strong dose of humor. This is primarily expressed through the wife's increasingly enthusiastic observations and exclamations. Her initial hospitality in showing the traveler "ben to sleep" quickly escalates to a fascination with his physique. The lines "She saw a sight below his sark, / She wadna wanted it for a mark" and "She saw a sight aboon his knee, / She wadna wanted it for three" are blatant innuendos, painting a picture of her uninhibited appraisal. The poem's consistent tone of light-heartedness prevents the overt sexual suggestions from becoming crude, instead turning them into a source of comedy.

The Thresher's Flail: A Symbol of Fertility

A recurring and highly suggestive symbol in the poem is the thresher's flail. Initially introduced as simply a "tool" and his "workin' graith," it quickly takes on a deeper meaning as the wife expresses admiration for it. Her exclamation, "And noble tools, quo' she, by my faith!" suggests she is not merely impressed by its functionality, but by its symbolic representation of the man's virility and capability. This image is further reinforced by her willingness to give her best brew and even sell her husband's "tail hair" to acquire such a tool. The flail, therefore, functions as a potent symbol of fertility and masculine power, driving the poem's underlying theme of desire.

The Enduring Question: An Open Interpretation

The repetitive line, "Will ye na can ye na let me be," is perhaps the most intriguing element of the poem. It can be interpreted in multiple ways. Is she asking the traveler to leave her alone because she is overwhelmed by her desire? Or is she, perhaps more provocatively, pleading with him to stop resisting her advances and give in to her desires? The ambiguity of the line adds a layer of complexity to the poem, leaving the reader to ponder the true intentions behind the wife's seemingly contradictory words.

A Lasting Waggit: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Will ye na can ye na let me be" is a bawdy and humorous exploration of desire, skillfully crafted by Robert Burns. Through its suggestive imagery, consistent tone of playful teasing, and recurring line, the poem paints a vivid picture of a woman captivated by a visiting thresher. The ambiguity surrounding the wife's intentions leaves the reader with a lasting impression, making the poem more than just a simple tale of flirtation but a commentary on the complexities and humor found in human desire. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to present a somewhat scandalous scenario with charm and wit.