ae fond kiss - burns Flashcards
Context of social class as a barrier to love in the poem?
The poem reflects Burns’ own experience of loving a higher class woman, highlighting how class differences prevented their union. Burns was poorer than Agnes’ husband, suggesting she chose money over love.
What does the phrase ‘who shall say that fortune grieves him’ imply?
The phrase suggests that fortune relates to both money and fate, indicating the impact of social class on love. Burns was poorer than Agnes’ husband, and there are hints through the poem that she chose money over love - particularly in the words ‘wage’ and ‘fortune’
What literary devices are used in ‘had we never loved sae kindly, had we ne’er loved sae blindly’?
The use of anaphora and a rhyming couplet emphasizes the inseparability of love and anguish, while also suggesting love’s forgiving and non-judging nature, going against social class boundaries.
What do the words ‘thine be ilka joy and treasure’ connote?
These words suggest connotations of money, but are potentially indicating insincerity in expressions of love. These could merely be cheap words of valentine sentimentality, he may not really wish her well
How is love presented in relation to suffering in the poem?
‘Ae fond kiss and then we sever’
Love is depicted as synonymous with suffering, illustrated through language that conveys pain and a violent separation - image of being ripped apart
What does ‘heart wrung tears…warring sighs and groans’ signify?
This phrase conveys the physicality of heartache, emphasizing the depth of emotional suffering.
What do the superlative phrases in ‘fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest! Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest’ reflect?
superlative phrases reflect adoration in an almost courtly love fashion, as he is angry and resentful and almost mocking - selfish and arrogant.
What is the significance of the word ‘Alas’ in the poem?
‘Alas’ emphasizes the speaker’s grief and concern over the painful ending of love.
What does the repetition in ‘Deep in heart wrung tears I’ll pledge thee, warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee’ suggest?
The repetition enhances the power and tragedy of the speaker’s emotions, language of conflict indicating a painful ending and unrequited love.
More powerful and tragic than in stanza 1
