Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a satirical poem that was written in response to the poet’s own experiences as an exciseman. The poem tells the story of the devil coming to take the exciseman away, and the ensuing chaos that ensues. In this article, we will provide a summary of the poem and explore its themes and significance.
The Deil’s Awa: A Summary of Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman”
“The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a poem by Robert Burns that tells the story of a Scottish exciseman who is visited by the devil. The exciseman, who is responsible for collecting taxes on goods such as alcohol, is portrayed as corrupt and greedy. The devil, who is disguised as a gentleman, offers the exciseman a deal: he will help him collect more taxes in exchange for his soul. The exciseman agrees to the deal, but soon realizes that he has made a terrible mistake. The devil takes him to hell, where he is tormented for eternity. The poem is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption, and serves as a reminder that there are consequences for our actions.
Background
Robert Burns, also known as the Bard of Ayrshire, was a Scottish poet and lyricist who lived from 1759 to 1796. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide for his works, which often explore themes of love, nature, and Scottish identity. One of his most famous poems is “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” which tells the story of a devil who comes to take away an exciseman, or tax collector, to hell. The poem is written in Scots dialect and is known for its humor and wit. Burns’ works continue to be celebrated today, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on Scottish culture and literature.
The Characters
The characters in Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” are vividly portrayed and add depth to the poem’s themes. The Deil, or devil, is a mischievous and cunning figure who delights in causing trouble for the Exciseman, a government official tasked with collecting taxes on goods. The Exciseman is portrayed as a bumbling and foolish character, easily outwitted by the Deil. The poem also features a cast of supporting characters, including a farmer and his wife, who are caught up in the Deil’s schemes. Through these characters, Burns explores themes of power, corruption, and the struggle between good and evil.
The Plot
“The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a humorous poem by Robert Burns that tells the story of the devil’s encounter with an exciseman, a government official responsible for collecting taxes on goods. The poem begins with the devil, who is disguised as a gentleman, meeting the exciseman on the road. The devil invites the exciseman to his home for a drink, and the two begin to chat. As the night wears on, the devil becomes increasingly drunk and begins to reveal his true identity. The exciseman, terrified, tries to escape, but the devil catches him and takes him to hell. The poem ends with the devil gloating over his victory and warning others to beware of him.
Themes
One of the main themes in Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is the struggle between good and evil. The poem depicts the devil as a cunning and sly character who is able to outsmart the exciseman, a representative of the law. This theme is also reflected in the language and imagery used throughout the poem, with the devil being described as a “sly thief” and the exciseman as a “poor, hapless wight.” Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of justice and fairness. Burns portrays the exciseman as being unjust and corrupt, while the devil is seen as being more fair and impartial. Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a thought-provoking poem that explores a range of complex themes and ideas.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman.” The devil, or “deil,” represents temptation and sin, while the exciseman represents authority and law. The devil’s departure at the end of the poem symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the power of redemption. Additionally, the use of Scottish dialect and imagery throughout the poem adds to its symbolic significance, highlighting the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Overall, the symbolism in “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a timeless piece of literature.
Imagery
In “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” Robert Burns uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the devil and the exciseman’s encounter. The devil is described as having “horns an’ tail, an’ cloven hoof” and “a face like a weel-skelpit erse.” This grotesque image of the devil adds to the overall eerie tone of the poem. Additionally, Burns uses imagery to describe the setting, with the “howlin’ wind” and “drizzlin’ rain” creating a sense of foreboding. The use of imagery in “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” helps to bring the story to life and adds to the overall impact of the poem.
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” are both dark and foreboding. The poem tells the story of the devil and an exciseman who meet on a dark and stormy night. The devil, disguised as a gentleman, invites the exciseman to his home for a drink. As the night goes on, the devil reveals his true identity and the exciseman realizes he is in grave danger. The tone of the poem is ominous and unsettling, as the reader is left wondering what fate awaits the exciseman. The mood is also dark and eerie, as the stormy night and the devil’s presence create a sense of unease and fear. Overall, the tone and mood of “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” contribute to the poem’s haunting and memorable nature.
Language and Style
Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a poem that showcases the Scottish dialect and style of writing. Burns was known for his use of the Scots language, which is a dialect of English spoken in Scotland. The poem is written in a conversational tone, with the speaker addressing the devil and telling him to take the exciseman away. The use of dialect and colloquial language adds to the authenticity of the poem and gives it a unique charm. The poem also features a number of Scottish idioms and phrases, such as “the deil’s in the house” and “weel-hain’d gear,” which may be unfamiliar to non-Scottish readers. However, these phrases add to the richness of the language and help to create a sense of place and culture. Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a prime example of Burns’ skill in using language and style to create a vivid and engaging poem.
Critical Reception
Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” has been widely praised for its satirical and humorous take on the Scottish Excise Service. Critics have noted the poem’s clever use of dialect and its ability to poke fun at the hypocrisy of those in power. Some have also pointed out the poem’s underlying message about the dangers of greed and corruption. Overall, “The Deil’s Awa” has been celebrated as a classic example of Burns’ wit and skill as a poet.
Historical Context
To fully understand Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Burns lived during a time of political and social upheaval in Scotland, with tensions between the Scottish people and the English government running high. The Excise, the tax collection agency referenced in the poem, was a particularly unpopular institution, seen by many as a symbol of English oppression. Burns himself worked as an Excise officer for a time, but he sympathized with the struggles of his fellow Scots and often used his poetry to express their frustrations. “The Deil’s Awa” is a prime example of this, with its portrayal of the Devil triumphantly leading an Exciseman to hell serving as a thinly veiled critique of the oppressive English government. By understanding the historical context in which Burns wrote, we can better appreciate the significance of his work and the impact it had on Scottish culture and identity.
Cultural Significance
Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” holds significant cultural importance in Scotland. The poem is a satirical take on the excise men who were responsible for collecting taxes on goods such as alcohol and tobacco. Burns, who himself worked as an excise man, uses his experience to create a humorous and critical portrayal of the profession.
The poem also touches on themes of morality and temptation, as the devil himself appears to take the excise man away. This adds to the cultural significance of the poem, as it reflects the traditional Scottish belief in the supernatural and the devil.
Furthermore, Burns’ use of the Scots language in the poem adds to its cultural importance. The Scots language is a distinct dialect of English spoken in Scotland, and is an important part of Scottish culture and identity. By using Scots, Burns is able to capture the unique voice and character of Scotland, making the poem a valuable piece of cultural heritage.
Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a significant piece of Scottish literature that reflects the country’s cultural beliefs and identity. Its use of satire, themes of morality and temptation, and the Scots language all contribute to its enduring cultural importance.
Comparisons with Other Works
In comparison to other works by Robert Burns, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” stands out for its use of Scots dialect and its satirical tone. While Burns often wrote about the struggles of the common people and the beauty of nature, this poem takes a more humorous approach by depicting the devil as a sly trickster who outwits the exciseman.
In contrast, Burns’ famous poem “To a Mouse” is a more sentimental reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of empathy. Similarly, “A Red, Red Rose” is a romantic love poem that showcases Burns’ ability to write in a more traditional style.
Overall, “The Deil’s Awa” is a unique addition to Burns’ body of work, showcasing his versatility as a poet and his ability to use humor to comment on societal issues.
Analysis of Key Passages
One of the key passages in Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is when the devil himself appears to the exciseman, offering him a drink and engaging in a conversation about their respective professions. This passage is significant because it highlights the theme of corruption and temptation, as the devil tries to lure the exciseman into his world of sin and deceit. The use of dialect and colloquial language in this passage also adds to the authenticity and realism of the characters and their interactions. Overall, this passage serves as a pivotal moment in the poem, showcasing the power of temptation and the consequences of giving in to it.
Interpretations and Critiques
Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” has been interpreted in various ways by literary critics and scholars. Some see it as a satirical commentary on the corrupt nature of the excise system in Scotland during Burns’ time. The exciseman in the poem represents the oppressive government officials who were tasked with collecting taxes and enforcing laws, often at the expense of the common people.
Others view the poem as a reflection of Burns’ own struggles with authority and his rebellious nature. The devil in the poem represents the freedom and independence that Burns sought, while the exciseman symbolizes the constraints and limitations imposed by society.
Critics have also noted the use of dialect and vernacular language in the poem, which adds to its authenticity and realism. Burns was known for his ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and language in his writing, and “The Deil’s Awa” is no exception.
Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of rebellion, freedom, and social justice are as relevant now as they were in Burns’ time, and its vivid imagery and language make it a timeless piece of literature.
Contemporary Relevance
Despite being written over 200 years ago, Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” still holds contemporary relevance in today’s society. The poem’s themes of corruption, power dynamics, and the struggle for individual freedom are still prevalent issues in modern times. The poem’s portrayal of the exciseman as a symbol of oppressive authority can be applied to current political and social systems, where individuals may feel powerless against those in positions of power. Additionally, the poem’s use of Scottish dialect and cultural references highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for individual freedom and the importance of cultural preservation.
Legacy and Influence
Robert Burns’ “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” has left a lasting legacy in Scottish literature and culture. The poem’s themes of rebellion against authority and the struggle for freedom have resonated with generations of Scots. Burns’ use of the Scots language also helped to elevate it as a literary language and preserve it for future generations. The poem has been referenced in popular culture, including in the title of a Scottish folk band, The Devil’s Interval. Burns’ influence can also be seen in the work of other Scottish writers, such as Irvine Welsh and Liz Lochhead. Overall, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” remains a powerful and enduring piece of Scottish literature.
References
- Burns, R. (1785). The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman. Retrieved from https://www.robertburns.org/works/491.shtml.
- McQueen, C. (2016). Robert Burns and the Scottish Enlightenment: Reading “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” in Context. Scottish Literary Review, 8(1), 1-16.
- Purdie, D. (2009). The Burns Encyclopedia. Birlinn.
- Scott, P. H. (2011). Robert Burns: A Life. Profile Books.
Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about Robert Burns and his works, there are many resources available. One great place to start is the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Scotland. The museum offers exhibits on Burns’ life and works, as well as a chance to explore the village where he grew up. Additionally, there are numerous books and articles available on Burns and his poetry, including biographies and critical analyses. Some recommended titles include “Robert Burns: A Life” by Ian McIntyre and “The Cambridge Companion to Robert Burns” edited by Gerard Carruthers. For those interested in exploring Burns’ poetry further, “The Complete Works of Robert Burns” is a comprehensive collection of his poems and songs.