Poem Analysis - Had I The Wyte She Bade Me

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' poem "Had I the wyte she bade me" presents a narrative of seduction and justification, told in a colloquial and somewhat humorous tone. The speaker recounts an encounter with a woman who entices him, and he uses this narrative to defend his actions. The poem shifts from a playful, almost boastful tone to a more defensive and explanatory mood, reflecting the speaker's attempt to justify his behavior. The use of Scottish dialect adds a rustic and authentic flavor to the poem, making it feel like a personal confession.

Themes of Seduction and Justification

The primary theme of the poem is seduction, as the speaker describes being lured by a woman. The woman's actions, such as watching him by the gate and guiding him up the lane, are depicted as deliberate and enticing. The speaker's use of phrases like "she bade me" and "she shaw'd me" emphasizes her role in initiating the encounter. The theme of justification is also prominent, as the speaker repeatedly defends his actions. He argues that he would have been brave enough to enter if there had been consequences, and he blames the woman for his actions, stating that "she watch'd me" and "she bade me." This theme is reinforced by the speaker's defensive tone and his attempts to shift blame onto external factors, such as the woman's husband's absence.

The Role of Imagery and Symbolism

The poem employs vivid imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The "hie-gate-side" and the "loan" (a narrow path or lane) are specific and evocative, grounding the narrative in a rural Scottish setting. The "ramgunshoch, glum Goodman" symbolizes the woman's abusive husband, whose absence provides an opportunity for the speaker's actions. The imagery of the husband "claw'd her wi' the ripplin-kame" and leaving her "blae and bluidy bruis'd" highlights the domestic violence she endures, which the speaker uses to justify his own behavior. The "glomin-shote" (twilight) and "Tiseday's dew" (Tuesday's dew) add a temporal dimension, suggesting the fleeting nature of their encounter.

Defense and Manhood

The speaker's defense of his actions is rooted in a sense of manhood and societal expectations. He argues that refusing the woman would have been a sign of cowardice and unkindness, implying that his actions were necessary to maintain his masculinity. The speaker's use of the phrase "Manhood been to blame" underscores this theme, as he suggests that his actions were dictated by societal norms and expectations of male behavior. This theme is further reinforced by the speaker's boastful tone and his attempts to shift blame onto the woman and her husband, highlighting the complex interplay between personal desire and societal pressure.

Conclusion

The poem "Had I the wyte she bade me" by Robert Burns explores themes of seduction, justification, and the complexities of manhood through a narrative of a rural encounter. The use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a rich and evocative setting, while the speaker's defensive tone and attempts to shift blame highlight the societal pressures that influence his actions. The poem ultimately offers a commentary on the interplay between personal desire and societal expectations, as well as the ways in which individuals justify their actions in the face of moral ambiguity.