Robert Burns the Scottish Poet

Biography

Burns family was relatively poor, and he had to work at the farm as a child. His father, William Burnes, taught him writing, reading, and arithmetic at home (Crawford 50). Later, he received lessons in French, Latin, and mathematics from John Murdoch, a student hired by his father (Carswell 50).

Burns mother, Agnes, worked on the farm along with his father. She had a profound influence on his interest in folk culture and music (Carswell 45-46).

His first poem is allegedly dedicated to his first love, Nelly Kilpatrick (Crawford 64). Later, his numerous romantic relationships would inspire many of his poems.

Burns was struggling financially after his fathers death in 1784. He was planning to accept the job offer from his friends brother and move to Jamaica, but the success of his first book allowed him to stay in Scotland (Carswell 170-180). During his years in Edinburgh, he socialized a lot, engaging in a few romantic relationships (Carswell 205-208). He also made friends with James Johnson, with whom he would later create Scots Musical Museum.

Initially, Burns proposed to Jean Armour in 1786 upon discovering she was pregnant, but her family opposed the marriage (Crawford 179-180). His well-known contempt for the official religion made him an undesirable groom. However, a few years later, he eventually married her and moved to Dumfriesshire (Carswell 345-346).

In Dumfries, he actively worked on writing songs as well as collecting old Scottish songs and writing own versions of them. His publisher, George Thomson, ordered prominent composers, including Haydn and Beethoven, to write music for A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice, which contributed to Burnss popularity (Crawford 360).

Burns became a proponent of democracy in the wake of the French and American Revolutions. His political activity nearly cost him his job, but eventually, he managed to keep his position at the Excise office (Crawford 350-356).

His health was rapidly declining during the 1790s, and he died in 1796.

Auld Lang Syne

It can be translated into English as long time ago and tells a story of a group of friends recalling good old times (Crawford 309). Crawford argues that the combination of Burns talent and Scottish traditions of song-writing is what made this piece famous worldwide (4). It is traditionally sung in many English-speaking countries on the New Years Eve.

Despite the general sentiment, Auld Land Syne is not only a celebratory song. Crawford points out that it has a political undertone, as Burns compares old times when Scotland was independent to its current state (369). Overall, the theme of Scottish patriotism is fundamental to Burns poetry.

A Red, Red Rose

This song was not well-known by the Burns contemporaries, as Johnson published it only in 1796, the year Burns died. This piece could possibly be dedicated to his wife Jean Armour or Agnes Maclehose, with whom he had a relationship during his years in Edinburg (Crawford 406-407). Nowadays, it is well known as one of the best examples of Burns lyrical poetry.

Tam oShanter

Burns often used Scottish folklore as an inspiration for his work. Tam oShanter is one of the rare surviving examples of his narrative poetry. Unlike A Red, Red Rose, this work brought him immediate recognition upon being published in 1791 (Crawford 330). Although it is basically a tale, Burns uses this form to bring up several topics that are important to him. Throughout the poem, he emphasizes the importance of freedom in relationships, as he does not believe in monogamy (Crawford 217). Another major theme of the work is loneliness. The protagonist, a social person, is left in isolation when the storm begins and has no one to rely on except for himself and his horse (Crawford 329).

To a Mouse

Burns experienced financial struggles since childhood, and his poetry is reflective of class and economic disparities in the 18th century Scotland. The poem To a Mouse is deeply metaphorical, as the struggles of the mouse are similar to those of Burns fear of losing the home, death, and uncertainty (Crawford 201). Notably, this piece was written during one of the darkest periods in Burns life, as his father and brother died within two years (Crawford 202).

Influence

Burns was a vocal supporter of French and American revolutions. His political views made him popular not only in the USA but also among revolutionaries in Russia and China many years later (Pittock). His poor background and love for the local folklore were the main reasons behind his popularity in Scotland. Overall, his public image contributed to his popularity no less than his works did. Steinbeck and Salinger referenced Burns poems in Of Mice and Men and The Cather in the Rye, respectively. Auld Land Syne is featured in numerous Hollywood movies (Pittock). The great legacy makes Burns the most significant Scottish poet of all times.