Robert Burns left behind many unanswered questions. Existing in a period where it was not always possible to completely show oneself, there is some outstanding debate over ownership of certain works and political beliefs.
Some of the real Burns though seems unmistakeable. There are common threads which run throughout that arguably depict the heart and soul of the poet.
One of these main themes is humanitarianism. As a man not of a social standing able to vote Burns strove to represent mankind by creating awareness using the might of his words.
One piece captures this with big intention. A Man’s A Man For A’ That has become a worldwide symbol of egalitarianism still relevant to this day.
Composed in 1795 when harsh punishment met freedom of thought. With influences of The French Revolution’s Ça Ira, Thomas Paine’s The Rights Of Man and an upsurge of republicanism and radicalism taking place the piece unsurprisingly made its debut anonymously in The Glasgow Magazine.
It is worth noting that at time of writing Burns had experienced both sides of the poverty / wealthy literati coin. His own health was also failing. It was one of the last pieces he would ever write.
The overarching themes of the piece are that of togetherness, need for change and the importance of self esteem regardless of status.
Stanzas 1 and 2 mostly illustrate the poor with a tone of warmth and gentleness. The word ‘we’ proves Burns sense of belonging to this group, that to be fair he could have decided to disassociate with, and a tale of social injustice begins.
Stanzas 3 and 4 now contrast this with a ridicule of traits of the wealthy. The profound and probably most biographical line ‘The man o’ independent mind, he looks and laughs at a’ that’ summarises his conclusion on this set.
But the fascinating twist in each of these stanzas is how they all end on a positive note showing a sense of superiority for the underdog and describing the honest man as ‘gold’ and ‘king’ and belonging to the highest rank. All qualities normally associated with the rich.
The fifth stanza could almost stand alone and indeed takes the form of a prayer. It is astoundingly meaningful in promoting optimism and a desire to win. Positivity pervades every line in the final stanza laying out what can and will happen and leaving the reader with great hope.
But it does more than that. It unifies all men to an aspired sense of international brotherhood and equality beyond the realms of anything Burns has ever known.
A Man’s A Man for a’ That made National Poetry Day 2006 under the theme of ‘Identity’. Many have indeed attached their identities to it with online versions by Alex Salmond, Paolo Nutini and more. The Scottish Parliament opened with it in 1999 and the Scottish Qualifications Authority crest features the words ‘Pride o’ Worth’.
It is an emotive piece. Supremely powerful yet kind. It has the ambition to change minds.
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