Tam O'Shanter Analysis

Tam o’Shanter Theme Analysis

        Tam o’Shanter is a lively poem about a man and his horse. The characters throughout the poem prove to stand as a cautionary presence to Tam, however he consistently does not listen to their warnings. Robert Burns’ cautionary tale proves to warn readers that actions may not directly affect the wellbeing of the perpetrator, but will directly affect those closely involved.

        In the very beginning of Tam o’Shanter, the reader is quickly introduced to his character. “Ae market day thou was nae sober…” (l. 22). Tam was rarely sober, causing him to come home to his wife Kate at strange hours in the night. Because of this, Kate prophesized that something terrible would happen to Tam, “Thou would be found deep drowned in Doon, / Or catched wi’warlocks in the mirk, / By Alloway’s auld haunted kirk” (ll. 30-32). By warning him, Kate is showing that there will be consequences for his actions. Not only could Tam o’Shanter be killed, but he would leave Kate a widow, having to find a way to survive without Tam. During the encounter with the witches and warlocks, Burns states, “In vain thy Kate awaits thy coming! / Kate soon will be a woefu’ woman!” (ll. 203-204). Maggie, Tam’s mare, was also greatly impacted by his alcoholism. Because of his drinking, they both were our late in the night, the time that Kate had previously warned Tam about. When Tam is chased by the coven of witches and warlocks, Maggie jumps the stream in attempt to get away. During this, Maggie has her tail pulled off by a witch. His drunken behavior caused an innocent horse to get maimed as a result. He states,

                Now, do thy speedy utmost, meg,

                And win the key-stane of the brig;

                There at them thou tail may toss,

                A running stream they dare na cross. (ll. 205-208)

        To detail the extent of Tam o’Shanter’s alcoholism, Burns uses an analogy about the wealth of bees in their treasures from the day. “As bees flee wi’lades o’treasure / The minutes wing’d their way wi’ pleasure” (ll. 55-56). He highlights how fulfilling drinking is to Tam. However, Burns contradicts his original statement when Tam meets the coven of witches and warlocks. “As bees bizz out wi’ angry fyke, / When thundering heards assail their byke…” (ll. 193-194). Instead of being full and happy (with alcohol) in the beginning of this tale, Burns contrasts this by using the bees instead. This time, however, the bees are angry. The witches and warlocks are angry by his intrusion. He also states,