The Blude Red Rose at Yule May Blaw
By Robert Burns
(1)
The blude red rose at Yule may blaw,
The simmer lilies bloom in snaw,
The frost may freeze the deepest sea;
But an auld man shall never daunton me.
To daunton me, and me so young,
Wi’ his fause heart and flatt’ring tongue.
That is the thing you ne’er shall see;
For an auld man shall never daunton me.
(2)
For a’ his meal and a’ his maut,
For a’ his fresh beef and his saut,
For a’ his gold and white monie,
An auld man shall never daunton me.
(3)
His gear may buy him kye and yowes,
His gear may buy him glens and knowes;
But me he shall not buy nor fee,
For an auld man shall never daunton me.
(4)
He hirples twa fauld as he dow,
Wi’ his teethless gab and Ma auld beld pow,
And the rain rains down frae his red bleer’d ee —
That auld man shall never daunton me.
To daunton me, and me sae young,
Wi’ his fause heart and flatt’ring tongue,
That is the thing you ne’er shall see;
For an auld man shall never daunton me.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, is renowned for his vivid depiction of the complexities of human emotions, social commentary, and his ability to convey profound themes in accessible ways. In The Blude Red Rose at Yule May Blaw, a poem filled with sharp wit and poignant reflections, Burns addresses the theme of youthful love, independence, and resistance to manipulation. Through the speaker’s defiance against the advances of an old man, the poem examines the intersection of love, age, and power dynamics.
Themes of Youth vs. Age
The central theme of The Blude Red Rose at Yule May Blaw revolves around the speaker’s firm resolve not to be “dauntoned” (overcome or charmed) by an old man, despite his material wealth and flattery. The poem repeatedly reinforces the notion that age, wealth, and outward possessions are no match for youthful vigor and independence. In this context, the speaker, a young woman, rejects the advances of an older suitor who relies on his wealth and flattering words to win her affection.
Burns uses imagery from nature and the elements to emphasize the contrast between the speaker's vitality and the frailty of the old man. In the opening stanza, he plays with the impossibility of contradictions: "The blude red rose at Yule may blaw," and "The simmer lilies bloom in snaw." These images of a rose blooming in winter and lilies in the snow convey a sense of impossibility—things that defy natural laws, just as the speaker’s refusal to be swayed by the old man defies what might be expected of a young woman.
In this sense, the poem also highlights the clash between youth and age, both physically and metaphorically. The speaker’s defiance is not just against the old man but also against the idea that youth is vulnerable or should be submissive to the desires of older men.
Material Wealth and Power
Throughout the poem, the old man is depicted as possessing material wealth: “For a’ his meal and a’ his maut, / For a’ his fresh beef and his saut,” and “his gear may buy him kye and yowes.” The reference to his material possessions, such as cattle, money, and food, underscores the social power he holds. In traditional Scottish society, wealth often conferred influence, and the old man seems to rely on these material advantages to woo the speaker.
However, Burns uses the speaker’s firm rejection to challenge the idea that material wealth can buy love or affection. The speaker declares that no matter how much the old man possesses, it will not secure her heart: "For me he shall not buy nor fee." This reinforces the notion that true affection cannot be bought, and it critiques the transactional nature of relationships based on wealth or social status.
The poem may also serve as a critique of social norms that pressure women to marry based on material considerations or age, rather than emotional compatibility or genuine attraction. The speaker’s independence and resistance to such forces challenge these societal expectations.
The Ridicule of the Old Man
The old man’s physical decrepitude is another important aspect of the poem. Burns paints a vivid picture of the old man’s frailty: "He hirples twa fauld as he dow, / Wi’ his teethless gab and Ma auld beld pow." His halting, feeble walk ("hirples twa fauld"), lack of teeth, and balding head all serve to underscore the contrast between him and the youthful speaker. The image of the old man with “red bleer’d ee” (bloodshot eyes) further emphasizes his physical decline, making him an unattractive figure in the eyes of the young woman.
The speaker’s disdain is not only directed at his age but at his reliance on superficial charm—his "fause heart and flatt’ring tongue." The juxtaposition of his deteriorating body with his empty, flattering words highlights the dissonance between appearance and substance. The old man’s physical decay and insincerity make him an undesirable suitor to the speaker, whose youth, vitality, and moral integrity are portrayed as far more valuable.
Repetition as Emphasis
Burns employs repetition throughout the poem, particularly in the refrain “For an auld man shall never daunton me,” to emphasize the speaker’s resolute determination and to underscore the central message of the poem. This refrain is both a declaration of independence and a rejection of societal pressures. The repetition mirrors the speaker’s refusal to waver from her position, even in the face of the old man’s advances. It also serves to strengthen the poem’s rhythmic structure, creating a sense of finality and conviction in her words.
Feminine Autonomy and Social Commentary
At a deeper level, The Blude Red Rose at Yule May Blaw can be seen as a commentary on feminine autonomy in a patriarchal society. The speaker’s refusal to be “dauntoned” is an assertion of her agency and independence. Burns, in writing from the perspective of a woman rejecting an older man’s advances, may be critiquing societal expectations that women should accept the overtures of older men based on their social standing or material wealth.
This theme of feminine autonomy is particularly relevant in the context of the time when Burns wrote the poem. In the 18th century, marriage often involved negotiations of wealth and status, and young women were frequently expected to marry older, wealthier men. Burns' speaker rejects this notion and demonstrates that true affection cannot be coerced or manipulated by external factors like age or money.
The Defiant Voice of Youth
In The Blude Red Rose at Yule May Blaw, Robert Burns crafts a witty yet profound commentary on love, materialism, and the power dynamics between youth and age. Through the speaker’s defiance, the poem celebrates youthful independence and the belief that true love cannot be bought or manipulated by external means. The rejection of the old man is not just a personal statement but also a challenge to the social norms of Burns’ time, emphasizing the importance of personal agency and the autonomy of the young woman in the face of pressure. Ultimately, the poem advocates for self-determination and the refusal to be swayed by flattery, wealth, or the constraints of age.