Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, is known for his vivid portrayal of Scottish culture and society through his poetry. One of his most famous works, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” is a satirical poem that critiques the unpopular excise tax system in Scotland. This article aims to provide a literary analysis of this poem, exploring its themes, symbolism, and the historical context in which it was written.
The Life and Times of Robert Burns
Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. Born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Ayrshire, Burns grew up in a poor family and had to work hard from a young age. Despite his humble beginnings, he went on to become one of the most celebrated poets of his time, known for his use of the Scots language and his ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and identity in his works. Burns’ life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and artists around the world.
The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman: An Overview
“The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a poem by Robert Burns that was first published in 1792. The poem is a satirical take on the Scottish excise system, which was responsible for collecting taxes on goods such as alcohol and tobacco. Burns, who worked as an exciseman himself, was critical of the system and used his poetry to express his frustrations. In “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” Burns imagines the devil coming to take away an exciseman who has been too zealous in his duties. The poem is filled with humor and irony, and it has become one of Burns’ most popular works. In this article, we will take a closer look at the themes and literary devices used in “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” and explore what makes it such a timeless piece of literature.
The Theme of Corruption
The theme of corruption is a prevalent one in Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman. The poem tells the story of the devil taking away an exciseman, who is a government official responsible for collecting taxes on goods such as alcohol. The devil is portrayed as a savior, freeing the people from the corrupt practices of the exciseman. This theme of corruption is not only limited to the exciseman, but also extends to the government and society as a whole. Burns uses the poem to criticize the corrupt practices of those in power and to call for a more just and equitable society. The poem serves as a reminder that corruption can have devastating effects on society and that it is the responsibility of individuals to speak out against it.
The Use of Scottish Dialect
The use of Scottish dialect in Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a crucial aspect of the poem’s literary significance. Burns, a Scottish poet, wrote in his native dialect, which adds to the authenticity and cultural richness of his work. The use of dialect also serves to highlight the social and economic conditions of the time, as well as the struggles faced by the Scottish people. The dialect used in the poem is not only a reflection of the language spoken by the people of Scotland, but it also adds to the overall tone and mood of the piece. The use of dialect in literature is a powerful tool that can transport readers to a specific time and place, and in the case of Burns’ work, it adds to the depth and complexity of the poem.
The Role of Religion in the Poem
Religion plays a significant role in Robert Burns’ poem, “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman.” The poem is set in Scotland during a time when the Church of Scotland held a great deal of power and influence over the people. Burns uses religious imagery and language throughout the poem to convey his message about the corrupt nature of the government and the church. The devil, who is often associated with sin and evil, is portrayed as a hero in the poem, while the exciseman, who represents the government and its oppressive policies, is seen as the villain. This inversion of traditional religious roles is a powerful commentary on the hypocrisy of those in power and the need for change. Overall, religion serves as a tool for Burns to critique the societal norms of his time and to call for a more just and equitable society.
The Symbolism of the Devil
The devil has long been a symbol of evil and temptation in literature and mythology. In Robert Burns’ poem “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” the devil takes on a more complex role as a symbol of rebellion against authority and societal norms. The devil is portrayed as a cunning and charismatic figure who is able to outsmart and outmaneuver the exciseman, a representative of the government and its oppressive laws. This symbolism can be interpreted as a commentary on the power dynamics between the ruling class and the common people, and the potential for resistance and rebellion against unjust systems. The devil’s character in this poem challenges traditional notions of good and evil, and invites readers to question their own beliefs and values.
The Significance of the Exciseman
The Exciseman, also known as the tax collector, plays a significant role in Robert Burns’ poem “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman.” The Exciseman represents the government’s authority and power over the common people, as he is responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing laws. In the poem, the Exciseman is portrayed as a corrupt and immoral figure, who is ultimately punished by the devil for his sins. This depiction of the Exciseman reflects Burns’ own views on the government and its treatment of the working class. Through the character of the Exciseman, Burns highlights the injustices and inequalities of society, and calls for a revolution against the oppressive ruling class. Overall, the Exciseman serves as a symbol of the struggle between the people and the government, and the need for social change.
The Poem’s Structure and Form
The structure and form of Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a key aspect of the poem’s effectiveness. The poem is written in Scots dialect, which adds to its authenticity and creates a sense of place and time. The poem is also written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality and makes it easier to remember. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase “The Deil’s awa wi’ the Exciseman,” adds to the poem’s rhythm and reinforces its message. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with six lines, which creates a sense of balance and symmetry. The first three stanzas describe the Exciseman’s sins and the fourth stanza celebrates his departure. Overall, the structure and form of The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman contribute to its power and enduring popularity.
The Influence of Traditional Scottish Ballads
The traditional Scottish ballad has had a significant influence on the works of Robert Burns, particularly in his poem “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman.” These ballads, which were often passed down orally from generation to generation, were known for their storytelling and their ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and history. Burns, who was deeply connected to his Scottish roots, drew inspiration from these ballads and incorporated their themes and motifs into his own work. In “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” Burns uses the traditional ballad form to tell the story of a corrupt exciseman who is ultimately punished by the devil. This poem not only showcases Burns’ skill as a poet, but also highlights the enduring influence of traditional Scottish ballads on Scottish literature and culture.
The Poem’s Relevance Today
Robert Burns’ poem, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman, may have been written over two centuries ago, but its relevance today cannot be denied. The poem’s themes of corruption, injustice, and the struggle for freedom are still prevalent in modern society. The poem’s portrayal of the exciseman as a symbol of oppression and tyranny is still relevant today, as people continue to fight against corrupt governments and institutions. The poem’s message of standing up against injustice and fighting for one’s rights is a timeless lesson that can still be applied today. Additionally, the poem’s use of Scottish dialect and cultural references adds to its relevance, as it highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating one’s cultural heritage. Overall, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman remains a powerful and relevant piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Reception of The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman in Burns’ Time
During Robert Burns’ time, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman was received with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a humorous and satirical take on the unpopular excise system, while others viewed it as blasphemous and disrespectful towards religion. The use of Scots language also made it difficult for some readers to fully understand the poem’s meaning. Despite this, the poem’s popularity grew over time and it is now considered one of Burns’ most iconic works. Its themes of rebellion against authority and the struggle for personal freedom continue to resonate with readers today.
The Poem’s Place in Burns’ Oeuvre
The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a significant poem in Robert Burns’ oeuvre. It was written during a time when Burns was working as an excise officer, and the poem reflects his frustration with the job. The poem is also notable for its use of Scots language, which was a hallmark of Burns’ writing. The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is one of several poems that Burns wrote about his experiences as an excise officer, and it is a powerful example of his ability to use poetry to express his political and social views. Overall, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is an important part of Burns’ legacy, and it continues to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers alike.
The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman and Scottish National Identity
Robert Burns’ poem “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” is a satirical take on the unpopular excise tax collectors in Scotland during the late 18th century. The poem is a reflection of the Scottish national identity and the struggle for independence from English rule. The excise tax was seen as a symbol of English oppression, and Burns used his literary skills to criticize the system and the people who enforced it. The poem is a testament to Burns’ ability to capture the essence of Scottish culture and the spirit of the Scottish people. It is a reminder of the importance of national identity and the role that literature can play in shaping it.
The Poem’s Political Implications
Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is not just a simple poem about a devil taking away an exciseman. It has political implications that reflect the poet’s views on the government and its policies. The exciseman in the poem represents the government’s tax collectors, who were notorious for their corruption and abuse of power. Burns, who was a staunch supporter of the Scottish independence movement, used this poem to criticize the British government’s oppressive policies towards Scotland. The devil, on the other hand, represents the Scottish people’s desire for freedom from the British rule. The poem’s message is clear: the Scottish people will not be oppressed forever, and they will eventually rise up against their oppressors. This political message is still relevant today, as Scotland continues to struggle for independence from the United Kingdom.
The Use of Humor and Irony
Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a poem that makes use of humor and irony to convey its message. The poem tells the story of the devil, who comes to take away an exciseman, a tax collector, to hell. The use of humor and irony in the poem is evident from the very beginning, where the devil is portrayed as a friendly and jovial character, who is eager to take the exciseman away. The irony lies in the fact that the exciseman, who is supposed to be a law-abiding citizen, is being taken away by the devil, who is supposed to be a symbol of evil.
The poem also makes use of humor to criticize the exciseman’s profession. The exciseman is portrayed as a greedy and corrupt individual, who is more interested in collecting taxes than in serving the people. The humor lies in the fact that the devil, who is supposed to be the embodiment of evil, is actually doing a good deed by taking the exciseman away.
Overall, the use of humor and irony in The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman adds depth and complexity to the poem. It allows Burns to criticize the exciseman’s profession in a lighthearted and entertaining way, while also conveying a deeper message about the nature of good and evil.
The Poem’s Treatment of Death
Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a poem that explores the theme of death in a unique way. The poem portrays death as a relief from the struggles of life, rather than a terrifying and inevitable end. The speaker in the poem is the devil, who comes to take the exciseman’s soul after he dies. The devil is portrayed as a friendly figure, who offers the exciseman a drink and a smoke before taking him away. This portrayal of death as a peaceful release from life is a departure from the traditional view of death as a frightening and painful experience. Burns’ poem suggests that death can be a welcome escape from the hardships of life, and that the devil, rather than being a malevolent figure, can be a comforting presence in the face of death. Overall, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the theme of death.
The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman and the Supernatural
In Robert Burns’ poem “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman,” the supernatural plays a significant role in the narrative. The poem tells the story of an exciseman, or tax collector, who is visited by the devil and ultimately taken to hell. The use of supernatural elements in the poem serves to emphasize the moral lesson that Burns is imparting to his readers. By portraying the exciseman as a corrupt and greedy individual, Burns is warning against the dangers of greed and the consequences that can come from it. The devil’s appearance in the poem serves as a symbol of temptation and the lure of material wealth, which can lead individuals down a path of destruction. Overall, the use of supernatural elements in “The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman” adds depth and complexity to the poem, while also reinforcing its central message.
The Poem’s Exploration of Human Nature
Robert Burns’ The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a poem that delves deep into the complexities of human nature. Through the characters of the devil and the exciseman, Burns explores the themes of temptation, corruption, and morality. The devil, often seen as a symbol of evil, is portrayed as a cunning and persuasive figure who tempts the exciseman with the promise of wealth and power. The exciseman, on the other hand, represents the vulnerability of human nature and the ease with which one can be swayed by temptation.
The poem also highlights the corrupt nature of society and the role of power in shaping human behavior. The exciseman’s desire for wealth and status leads him to compromise his morals and engage in illegal activities. This is a reflection of the corrupt society in which he lives, where power and money are valued above all else.
However, the poem also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of the exciseman’s eventual redemption. Through his encounter with the devil, he realizes the error of his ways and seeks to make amends for his past actions. This suggests that even in the face of temptation and corruption, there is always the possibility of redemption and moral growth.
Overall, The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman is a powerful exploration of human nature and the complexities of morality. Through its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes, the poem offers a timeless commentary on the human condition and the struggle between good and evil.