This is an analysis of the poem Lines Inscribed Under Fergusson's Portrait that begins with:

CURSE on ungrateful man, that can be pleased,
And yet can starve the author of the pleasure.... full text

Elements of the verse: questions and answers

The information we provided is prepared by means of a special computer program. Use the criteria sheet to understand greatest poems or improve your poetry analysis essay.

  • Rhyme scheme: aXXbXab
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 7,
  • Closest metre: trochaic pentameter
  • Сlosest rhyme: limerick
  • Сlosest stanza type: tercets
  • Guessed form: unknown form
  • Metre: 1101011101 11110100010 11110100010 11110100010 0111010101 1001100101 11110100010
  • Amount of stanzas: 1
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 288
  • Average number of words per stanza: 56
  • Amount of lines: 7
  • Average number of symbols per line: 40 (medium-length strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 8
  • Mood of the speaker:

    The punctuation marks are various. Neither mark predominates.

If you write a school or university poetry essay, you should Include in your explanation of the poem:

  • summary of Lines Inscribed Under Fergusson's Portrait;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Robert Burns