To a Mouse: Overview

“To a Mouse: Overview”

Poem Background

• “To a Mouse” is one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems written in 1785.
• The poem paints a vivid picture of a farmer’s encounter with a mouse whose nest he upturns while ploughing his field.

Main Themes

• Empathy and sympathy: Burns shows empathy towards the mouse, reflecting wider themes of compassion towards all living creatures in their struggle for survival.
• Human impact on nature: The poem draws attention to the destructive effects human activity can have on nature, in this case agriculture on the homes of small animals.
• Unpredictability of Life: It also explores the unpredictable nature of life and the hardships faced by both man and mouse.

Burns’ Perspective and Tone

• While the poem appears simple, it carries a deep message about the human condition.
• Burns speaks directly to the mouse, using it as a symbol to represent all creatures including humans.
• The tone of the poem starts off with regret moving through sympathy to contemplation of the human condition at the end.

Form, Structure and Language

• The poem is written in Scots dialect, which Burns uses to express his thoughts and ideas in a more direct and intimate way.
• It has a consistent rhyme scheme of AAABAB and is composed of eight six-line stanzas.
• Various literary devices, such as alliteration, hyperbole, and personification, have been used in the poem to make it more dramatic and engaging.