Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Annuity" by George Outram is a piece of dramatic monologue where the speaker shares his frustrations over an old woman to whom he sold an annuity. He bitterly regrets the decision as the woman, despite her age and frailty, seems to live on indefatigably, coming to collect her annuity every year.

Theme: The poem revolves around themes of regret, frustration, and the grim humor of life's unexpected turns. The speaker feels tricked by the woman's longevity and the resultant financial burden that falls on him. The theme also presents the struggle between human expectations and reality.

Provenance: George Outram (1805-1856) was a Scottish advocate and humorous poet. His works often revolve around law, thus reflecting his background as a lawyer. Here, the humorous perspective on the concept of an annuity might be seen as Outram's commentary on the aspects of his profession.

Rhyme: The poem follows a consistent rhyming scheme of AABB throughout. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality, which intensifies the storytelling effect and enhances the overall humor and dramatic effect.

Language and Style: The poet uses Scottish dialect, which not only locates the poem within a specific culture and tradition but also adds a layer of authenticity and colloquial flavor to the speaker's voice. The language is descriptive, creating vivid and often grotesque images of the woman's resilience and tenacity.

Poetic devices: Outram uses hyperbole (exaggeration) and sarcasm to enhance the humor. For instance, describing the woman as "some auld Pagan mummified" is a hyperbolic way to emphasize her unexpected longevity. Irony is also a crucial device here, as the speaker's initial belief that he made a smart business deal turns out to be a source of his misery.

In conclusion, "The Annuity" is a satirical poem that uses humor to highlight the themes of regret, the unpredictability of life, and the irony of human expectations.

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