Barbara+Allan

Analysis

 * Pg. 199**

o A man falls in love with a woman, Sir John Graeme and Barbara Allen

o He is on his death bed and has someone send for her

o She went, spoke to him, and watched him die

o His last words are, “Adieu, adieu my good friends all, And be kind to Barbara Allen.” (line 23, pg 200)

o She walks a mile or two and then she hears the church bells ringing for his death and says, “Since my love died for me today, I’ll die for him tomorrow.” (line 35, pg 200)

o While watching him on his death bed, she doesn’t seem grieved. o The reader sees as she walks away from the town, that might only love him now because he died for her, making her want to die for him.

o This poem makes it seem that the ultimate way of proving love is to die for the loved one.

QUESTIONS

Which character do you find more sympathetic?

Take a minute to look at the poem. At what point does it make you critical of Barbara Allen?

Key Words
__Martinmas Time__ - November 11 __Gin__ - if __Rase__ - rose __Sal__ - shall __Dinna ye mind__ - don't you remember __Reft__ - deprived __Not ... twa__ - gone but two miles __Jow__ - stroke __Ga'ed__ - made