Unit-12 A Red, Red Rose
Robert Burns
Summary
The poem describes the deep feelings and commitment of a true lover. Love is a beautiful thing like the blooming red rose of June. It is a pleasant feeling as sweet as a piece of music. The speaker falls deeper in love day by day. He will love her until the seas dry and rocks melt. He promises to love her till the end of life. She should trust him and wait while he is away. He will surely return to his only love. Even the distance of ten thousand miles cannot stop him.
Theme
The poet suggests the qualities of ideal love. It is true and deep. There is hope, trust, promise, commitment, patience and dedication. It is never-ending and larger than life itself. Lovers die, but love stories become immortal.
Questions
What kind of love is expressed in the poem?
The poem presents a true, deep and ideal kind of love. It is a pleasant feeling which continues till the end of life. There is hope, trust, promise, commitment, patience and dedication. No distance can separate true lovers.
Do you think that love has power?
Love gives the power to face all kinds of difficulties in hope of union. True love becomes larger than life itself. Lovers come back from anywhere and the distance of even ten thousand miles does not matter.
What can you infer about the speaker’s devotion to his beloved?
The speaker’s devotion is expressed in his promises and commitments. His love is true, deep and ideal. There is hope, trust, patience and dedication. He says no distance can separate them, and he will return from anywhere.