A Red, Red Rose
by Robert Burns
O my love is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my love is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear.
Till all the seas are dry.And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands of life shall run.And fare thee well, my dear,
And fare thee well, awhile.
I will come again, my love,
If I may see thee again for ten thousand miles.
Summary of the Poem A Red, Red Rose
- Popularity and Context: Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet, first published this poem in 1794. It has become one of the most beloved love poems worldwide, cherished for its simple yet profound expression of affection. Its enduring appeal stems from its relatable depiction of deep, unwavering love.
- Central Theme: The poem celebrates enduring love, the depth of affection, and the promise of unwavering devotion. The speaker compares his beloved to a red rose and a sweet melody, using vivid natural imagery to convey how fresh, vibrant, and harmonious his feelings are. He pledges his love will persist even when the seas evaporate or the rocks succumb to the sun’s heat, illustrating a love that transcends earthly limits.
- Key Motifs: Love, permanence, nature, longing, and distance. The repeated images of a rose, sea, rock, and sand reinforce the idea that love is as enduring as natural forces. The concluding stanza introduces the motif of distance and the willingness to overcome it for the sake of love.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “A Red, Red Rose”
Robert Burns skillfully employs several literary devices to enrich the poem’s emotional depth and vividness, transforming a simple declaration of love into a timeless work of art. Below are the most prominent techniques and how they contribute to the overall message.
- Simile: The opening lines rely heavily on simile: “O my love is like a red, red rose” and “O my love is like the melody.” These comparisons are not merely decorative; they highlight the beauty, freshness, and harmony associated with love. Just as a rose is a symbol of passionate beauty and a melody evokes sweetness and joy, so too is the speaker’s love.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, such as the “r” in “red, red rose” and the “l” in “love,” creates musicality and reinforces the poem’s lyrical quality. This subtle sonic device adds to the poem’s pleasantness, making it more memorable.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds within words. The repeated “l” sound in “And fare thee well awhile” adds a gentle, rhythmic echo that mirrors the soothing nature of love and emphasizes the speaker’s heartfelt farewell.
- Assonance: Vowel repetition, like the long “i” in “I will love thee still, my dear,” gives the poem a melodic flow and emphasizes the tenderness of the speaker’s promise. This creates a sense of unity and harmony within the lines.
- Enjambment: Lines such as “O my love is like the melody” that continue without pause into the next line create a sense of continuous thought, mirroring the unbroken nature of love and building momentum within the poem.
- Hyperbole: The exaggerated promises— “Till all the seas are dry” and “And the rocks melt with the sun”— are not meant to be taken literally. They underscore the speaker’s devotion, emphasizing that his love will endure beyond natural limits and its immeasurable quality.
- Symbolism: The rose symbolizes passion and beauty, evoking feelings of romance and affection. The sea and rock symbolize enduring forces of nature, representing stability and longevity. By linking love to these symbols, Burns elevates affection to a universal, timeless concept.
Through these devices, Burns paints a vivid picture of an unwavering devotion that transcends time and circumstance. The strategic use of imagery and sound contributes to the poem’s lasting power.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “A Red, Red Rose”
The poem’s structure and rhythmic patterns further reinforce its emotional resonance. Beyond the literary devices, the poem’s formal elements contribute significantly to its overall effect. Below are the key poetic elements used by Burns.
- Stanza Structure: The poem consists of four quatrains—each stanza contains four lines. This regular form provides a balanced rhythm that mirrors the steady nature of love and creates a sense of order and stability.
- Rhyme Scheme: Each stanza follows an ABCB pattern, where the second and fourth lines rhyme. This subtle rhyme creates musical harmony without overwhelming the poem’s simplicity and adds a pleasing sonic quality.
- Meter: The poem alternates between iambic trimeter and iambic tetrameter. For example, “That’s newly sprung in June” is trimeter, while “So fair art thou, my bonnie lass” is tetrameter. This variation gives the poem a gentle ebb and flow, preventing it from becoming monotonous.
- Repetition & Refrain: The line “I will love thee still, my dear” appears twice, serving as a refrain that anchors the poem’s central promise of enduring affection. This repetition reinforces the speaker’s commitment and emphasizes the unwavering nature of his love.
These poetic devices combine to create a lyrical, timeless expression of love that remains resonant for readers today. The careful crafting of both the content and form contributes to the poem’s enduring appeal.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are ideal for Valentine cards or personal notes expressing admiration and devotion:
“My love is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my love is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.”
Or, for a promise of enduring affection:
“I will love thee still, my dear,
Till all the seas are dry.”
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central message and can be used to express heartfelt emotion.