How can we say that Burns sympathised with the French Revolution? ( MEG 102 ) ( ROBERT BURNS )

There is evidence to suggest that Burns was sympathetic to the ideals of the French Revolution. In his poetry, he often expressed his support for the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which were at the heart of the revolution. For example, in his poem "The Rights of Woman," Burns wrote about the need for women to have the same rights and opportunities as men, which was a radical idea at the time. He also wrote a poem called "To a Mouse," which has been interpreted as a critique of the social and economic inequalities that were prevalent in Scottish society.

In addition to his poetry, Burns was also known to have had discussions with other intellectuals of the time who were sympathetic to the French Revolution. He even wrote a letter in 1793 to a friend in which he expressed his support for the revolution and his belief that it would bring about positive change in Europe.

Overall, while Burns did not openly declare himself a supporter of the French Revolution, his poetry and writings suggest that he was sympathetic to the ideals of the revolution and believed in the need for social and political reform.