Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Director of Thesis

Dr. Anthony Jarrells

First Reader

Dr. Jeanne Britton

Second Reader

Dr. Jeanne Britton

Abstract

This thesis explores connections and contradictions within the songs, correspondence, and poems of Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns. A selection of works from each of these categories is presented to compare the ways Burns writes verse, lyrics, and letters. Through this thesis, I analyzed his work looking at subject matter, use of the Scots dialect, structure, and poetic devices in order to offer holistic commentary on Burns’ style in a way that includes his letters more heavily than most other Burns scholarship. Overall, I thought Burns remained a consistent man of conviction and societal criticism throughout my findings, as well as someone who proved his skill in writing in English and Scots in order to elevate Scottish music and language through his work.

First Page

1

Last Page

45

Rights

© 2023, Abigail Druckenmiller

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