Connections (Scottish Highers English): Revision Notes
Connections
Overview of making connections
When preparing comparison answers for the higher exam, understanding thematic links between poems strengthens your analysis. Making connections between 'The Bonnie Broukit Bairn' and other poems in the collection allows you to explore how different poets approach similar ideas, use comparable techniques, or present contrasting perspectives.
These connections represent a starting point rather than complete possibilities. Themes often overlap or work against each other within and between texts, creating opportunities for nuanced discussion.
Poems for comparison
MacDiarmid's 'The Bonnie Broukit Bairn' works well in comparison with the following poems from the Higher Scottish Poetry Collection:
- 'Thomas the Rhymer' (traditional ballad)
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Summit at Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- '33' by MacGillivray
Each of these poems shares thematic ground with MacDiarmid's work, though they may approach similar concerns from different angles or through different poetic techniques.
Thematic connections
Identity
The theme of identity connects 'The Bonnie Broukit Bairn' with several poems. Earth's identity as neglected and overlooked forms the poem's central concern.
Related poems exploring identity:
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
Voice and perspective
The use of voice and perspective shapes how ideas reach the reader. MacDiarmid gives Earth a voice through personification, creating sympathy for the planet's plight.
Voice and perspective are powerful tools for creating empathy and shifting readers' viewpoints. Consider how each poet's choice of narrative voice affects the emotional impact of their work.
Related poems working with voice and perspective:
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
Nature and environment
Nature and environment feature prominently in MacDiarmid's cosmic perspective. The poem positions Earth within the wider universe, emphasising natural beauty and neglect.
Related poems engaging with nature:
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
Place
The concept of place operates on multiple levels. Earth functions as both a physical location and a symbolic space representing humanity's home.
Related poems exploring place:
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
Setting
Setting establishes the context for poetic exploration. MacDiarmid's cosmic setting creates distance that enables fresh perspective on Earth's position.
Related poems where setting plays a role:
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
Local and universal
MacDiarmid balances local and universal concerns. Scots language roots the poem locally while cosmic imagery expands its scope universally.
The tension between local and universal is a defining feature of MacDiarmid's work. The use of Scots language grounds the poem in Scottish culture while the cosmic perspective gives it universal significance. This duality creates a powerful commentary on Scotland's place in the world.
Related poems working between local and universal:
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
Human experience
Human experience emerges through MacDiarmid's criticism of humanity's treatment of Earth. The poem invites reflection on collective behaviour and responsibility.
Related poems examining human experience:
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
Strong emotion
Strong emotion drives MacDiarmid's critique. The poem expresses sympathy for Earth and implicit anger at human neglect.
Related poems marked by strong emotion:
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
Conflict
Conflict emerges between Earth's beauty and humanity's treatment of it. This tension creates the poem's emotional force.
Related poems dealing with conflict:
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
Relationships
Relationships between humanity and nature form a key concern. MacDiarmid questions how people relate to their planetary home.
Related poems exploring relationships:
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
Love and desire
Love and desire appear through the poet's affection for Earth and desire for better treatment of the planet.
Related poems working with love and desire:
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
Journey and time
Journey and time operate symbolically. Earth's journey through space and time raises questions about fate and future.
Related poems engaging with journey and time:
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
Event and moment
Event and moment capture specific instances. MacDiarmid freezes a moment to observe Earth's state and position.
Related poems focusing on events and moments:
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
Time
Time stretches across cosmic scales. The poem implies both immediate concern and long-term consequences.
Related poems working with time:
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Summit of Corrie Etchachan' by Nan Shepherd
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
Fate and destiny
Fate and destiny hang over Earth's future. The poem questions whether Earth's neglected state will determine its ultimate fate.
Related poems considering fate and destiny:
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
- 'Thomas the Rhymer'
- '33' by MacGillivray
Mortality and legacy
Mortality and legacy underpin the poem's urgency. Earth's potential destruction and what humanity leaves behind create implicit warnings.
Related poems dealing with mortality and legacy:
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
Memory
Memory operates through the act of noticing and remembering Earth's beauty before it fades.
Related poems where memory features:
- '33' by MacGillivray
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Composed In August' by Robert Burns
Death
Death lurks as a potential outcome. The poem's critique suggests Earth faces destruction through human neglect.
Related poems addressing death:
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- '33' by MacGillivray
Status and class
Status and class emerge through the image of Earth as poor and neglected compared to other celestial bodies. This social hierarchy metaphor critiques human values.
Related poems exploring status and class:
- 'Status / Class'
- 'Da Clearance' by Rhoda Bulter
- 'Bonnie Broukit Bairn'
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- 'The Bonnie Broukit Bairn' connects with five key poems from the collection: 'Thomas the Rhymer', 'Composed In August', 'Da Clearance', 'Summit at Corrie Etchachan', and '33'.
- Thematic connections work across multiple categories, with poems often sharing several themes simultaneously.
- Strong thematic links include nature and environment, voice and perspective, human experience, and the relationship between local and universal concerns.
- These connections provide starting points for comparison essays but should not limit your analysis - explore how themes overlap, contradict, or develop differently across texts.
- When comparing poems, consider not just what themes they share but how different poets use language, structure, and technique to explore similar concerns in distinct ways.