A Man’s A Man for a’ that

S6 Higher

Extended metaphor

This is when a writer borrows more than one image from a lexical field.

Eg tree – branch – roots – And uses it to describe different aspects of the subjectThe tree of knowledge has many branches but it needs good roots if the branches are to flourish

Extended metaphor

“The rank is but the guinea’s stampThe man’s the gowd for a that” gowd = gold

Why is “rank” like “guinea’s stamp”?What is Burns trying to say about rank by using that image?

Why, on the other hand, does he use “gowd” to describe “man”? How does it contrast with “guinea’s stamp”?

Extended metaphor: sample answer

Burns compares social status to the mark made on a coin, showing that he sees the aristocrat as merely an ordinary piece of currency.

On the other hand, Burns sees “gowd”, or gold, in the man himself.

Just as gold is …

So too does Burns believe …

Extended metaphor: sample answer

Burns sees “gowd”, or gold, in the man himself.

Just as gold is something which keeps its value, is very precious and beautiful, and has more value than ordinary currency, which can devalue;

So too does Burns believe the inner person is what will hold its value, and what people will admire, not social status.

Extended metaphor: alternative sample answer

Burns believes the inner person is what will hold its value, and what people will admire, not social status.

I knew this because he compares the inner person to “gowd” or gold.Gold is something which keeps its value, is very precious and beautiful, and has more value than ordinary currency, which can devalue.

Stanza Two: Lifestyle contrasts

Stanza Two: Lifestyle contrasts

Stanza Two: Lifestyle contrastsHow does Burns use word choice to reveal whose lifestyle he sees as more virtuous?

Poor Rich‘hamely fare’ – homely Denotation: plain or down to earth foodConnotation: friendliness and a simplistic honesty

“hodden grey”

“king o’ men”

‘gie … knaves their wine’ Denotation:Connotation:

“fools”“silks”“wine”

“tinsel show”

Stanza Two: Lifestyle contrastsHow does Burns use sentence structure to support his presentation of the poor as virtuous?

Poor Rich“What though …?” “Gie …”

Stanza Three: “Yon birkie ca’d a lord”

1. Pick out examples of word choice which are used to ridicule and mock the “lord”.

2. Complete a full word choice analysis answer of two of these words.

3. Explain how Burns reveals his own attitude in the contrast he creates at the end of the stanza.

Stanza Four: “Gude faith, ye maunna fa’ that”

1. Pick out the words which are used to describe the superficial world of aristocracy

2. Write down the 4 things which Burns really values in this stanza, and explain what each one means.

3. Why do you think the SQA has the phrase “pride o’ worth” on their crest?

Stanza Five as a conclusion

Language

Ideas

Linking back Final impact

Stanza Five as a conclusion

Language

Ideas

Linking back Final impact

Let us pray – equality is a positive idea to be prayed forCome it will – optimism“the world o’er” – extends out“shall brithers be” – positive idea of worldwide equality

Let us pray: invite everyone to join in“us” involves the reader – cooperation assumed“come it may … come it will” “it’s comin yet” – move from possible to inevitable. Brings hope.“bear the gree” – use of Scots phrase, alien to aristocracy, for idea of victory.

Use of “for a’ that” as refrain“sense and worth” – fundamental values of whole poem. Link to st 4.“shall brithers be” – idea of equality runs through poem

“brithers” – warmth, love; positive mood used elsewhere towards the poorUse of “for a that” as refrain

Structure

1. Introduces idea that poor people might have little respect for themselves

2. Challenges this idea by contrasting lifestyles and ridiculing the rich

3. Further ridicules one example of an aristocrat; invites us to laugh at him

4. Focuses on the values which really matter5. Focuses on the future when things will change