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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker warns Tam that he will face punishment in hell.
In plain terms
Tam is warned of dire consequences for his actions.
What can you take from it?
Actions can lead to severe imagined punishments.

Where it applies

  • scolding someone
  • moral teaching
  • story climax

Putting it to work

  • warn others
  • consider actions
  • reflect on morals

Questions to consider

  • How do you warn others of risks?
  • What consequences do you fear?

Another view

The threat is metaphorical or religious, not literal.

More from Robert Burns

  1. 'Weel done, Cutty Sark!'

    Permalink to quote #73
  2. For a' that, and a' that An' twice as muckle 's a' that, I've lost but ane, I've twa behin', I've wife eneugh for a' that.

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. Her cutty sark, o' Paisley harn, That while a lassie she had worn, In longitude tho' sorely scanty, It was her best, and she was vauntie.

    Permalink to quote #72

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