|
Who
was Robert Burns & Why all the Fuss?
 Robert
Burns is one of the most famous characters in Scottish Cultural History.
His importance is immense, not only in terms of his fascinating story
and his work……but as a living tradition, carried from generation
to generation throughout the World. Everyone, everywhere, who joins in
the celebration of Scotland, Scottish Heritage or Scottish Culture, will
witness references to Robert Burns.
For many
people who would like to understand the whole "Burns thing", the first
few steps can often be daunting. Much of the material available on Burns
assumes a certain starting point. For instance, most books on Burns assume
that the reader has a basic understanding of Who he was, Where he was
from, Why he had such an impact etc etc. As such, there is a vast gulf
between books carrying a few scant paragraphs on the basic background,
through to the more detailed biographies, which address the initiated
or knowledgeable "Burnsian."
For many, (particularly our friends abroad) the first reading of any Burns
Poem may well appear as if it has been written in an unknown foreign language!
They can read the words and recognise much of it in Modern English,…..
but there it becomes difficult! How can newcomers to Burns with no knowledge
of the old Scots language possibly begin to interpret, and hence appreciate
and enjoy, the great mans work? Of course, the final straw is the spoken
word itself…now that I understand….how on earth do I pronounce
the words!!
It is our view that many people can potentially be "turned off" when they
first pick up a Burns book in the perception that the subject is cumbersome.
The
reality should be somewhat different! Robert Burns would be astonished
at his fame today, but would be gravely disappointed that so many had
access to his writings, yet could not understand his message ! !
Who
was Robert Burns? Back
Most
will describe Burns as one of the worlds greatest Poets, but this description
does not serve him well. He was much more than a great poet.
Robert Burns was born on 25th January 1759, in the tiny village of Alloway,
Ayrshire, near to the town of Ayr on the West Coast of Scotland.
His father William, was an extremely poor man and in 1750 had moved to
the area in search of work, which he found at Doonholm market garden.
(pronounced Doon-Home)
William Burnes, (note the original spelling, pronounced Burn-iss &
later changed by Robert Burns himself) was then granted a tenancy or lease
over a small area of farmland which he worked whilst continuing in his
position as Head Gardener at Doonholm. He met and married Agnes Broun,
(pronounced Broon, the old Scots for Brown) a local girl, and built a
small cottage at the farm.
(The cottage, now renamed "Burns Cottage", still stands to this day and
is a key focal point for Burnsians, tourists & visitors from all over
the world)
Robert Burns (often now referred to as "Rabbie") was born in
this sparse little cottage, the eldest son of a poor peasant farmer. Life
was extremely harsh and the farm was not succeeding. Even as a small child
he was to work long hours with his father, and many evenings were spent
huddled round the fire listening to his mother's stories and his father
reading from the bible.
The little cottage was twice extended to accommodate a growing family,
(eventually 4 boys & 3 girls) but in 1765 William Burnes was granted
a lease over the nearby farm at Mount Oliphant. Later, in 1777, the family
finally moved a few miles to Lochlie farm (pronounced Lochlee) near Tarbolton.
William Burnes recognised the importance of Education and together with
other friends, contracted the services of a local teacher, John Murdoch.
At an early age, it was apparent to Murdoch that the young Robert showed
the potential of a gifted scholar, ………but to what extent?
For Robert, the combination of poverty, hard work on the farm, story telling,
the influence of the Kirk (or Church), his studies, and a tremendous ability
to observe life in general, was the making of The Man. He would develop
a wicked sense of humour, a controversial frankness decrying hypocrisy,
a tender & thoughtful creativity, an alleged thirst for drink, a deep
Nationalist pride in his beloved Scotland, and an insatiable passion for
Women.
Burns died on 21st July, 1796 aged 37 at Dumfries in the South of Scotland.
During his short life he would aspire to great things. After his death,
he would become legendary, or as some would say, immortal. His immortality
runs deep in the veins of all Scots, perhaps unknowingly, and he has evolved
from mere man to being symbolic of all things Scottish. He is now one
of the great cornerstones of modern Scottish History and the significance
of his memory is celebrated throughout the world.
What
made Burns Famous ?
Back
Burns' rise
to fame began in July 1786 when at the age of 27, his first work was published
by John Wilson at Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, entitled "Poems, Chiefly in
the Scottish Dialect" Whilst this book (now known famously as "The Kilmarnock
Edition") was the catalyst for his celebrity status, it was far from being
the sole contributing factor.
Robert's motivation for publishing his work was initially financial although
undoubtedly, being an egotistical man, he relished the thought of seeing
his poems in print.
He had been courting a local girl, Jean Armour, (later to be his wife)
who had become pregnant by him, and as it was then, the girls father and
the local community were outraged. Such was the sway of opinion against
Burns, he became deeply dejected and was intent on emigrating to Jamaica
in the West Indies. The publication of his work was to pay for his passage,
……..but events changed and this was not to be.
The simple unbound book, covered in unassuming "plain blue wrappers" (which
was limited to only 612 copies) was to reach the Socialites of Edinburgh,
where it was met with curious wonder. Not only were the literati astounded
at the quality of the work, they could not perceive that an apparently
ignorant farmer could write in such a manner. Little did they know………..
As a boy student under the teaching of John Murdoch, and later, by his
father, Burns would excel. It was clear even then that he was of considerable
intellect, as he threw himself eagerly into Shakespeare, Pope and other
masters. He was a driven lad who would constantly read, particularly the
poetical works and novels of the time. Influenced and deeply motivated,
he had been writing creatively since an early age, with his first piece,
"Handsome Nell", (a poem about his first love, a girl called Nellie &
the first indication of his eye for women) having been written when he
was only 15. He was by now fluent in French, spoke Latin, studied philosophy,
politics, geography, theology & of course, the Bible. He was an accomplished
mathematician and would in later years add significantly to his impressive
list of subjects. These achievements must be considered in some perspective
to fully understand the "oddity" that was Robert Burns. Son of a poor
farmer, country boy, & peasant……….quite simply he was
a genius of the highest intellect……….and Robert knew it!!
"Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" was considered to be one of the
greatest poetical collections ever written. Its appeal was obvious not
only to the educated, but importantly, to the common man just like Burns
himself.
Now he had roused the fascination of Edinburgh Society who sought his
company, and Robert's true fame had begun. No doubt, the initial interest
in him was of novelty, but for those who met him, his presence was powerful.
Make no mistake,…… Burns played the part! His dress was smart,
but not of the highest classes, thus perpetuating his image. His mannerisms
were confident, polite & ingratiating, although often abrupt or rude.
His conversations were enthralling. Interestingly, even the men described
him as an attractive chap with a commanding presence and flashing brown
eyes. It can be seen why he was popular with the ladies. Burns took Edinburgh
by storm & had effectively achieved today's equivalent of stardom.
By now the celebrity poet was writing profusely and a second publication
of his work took place in Edinburgh, which included additional material.
(You will find this publication referred to as the first Edinburgh Edition)
What
was
special
about his work & why is it so popular?
Back
Well, there
are numerous ways to answer that, but for me:-
- Firstly, and
most importantly, Burns work is the continuing story of an ordinary
Scotsman, his background, his encounters, his observations & thoughts.
His poems & letters give a detailed account of the life & times,
culture & politics of the day, all of which are readily apparent.
His words still ring true today within the Scottish Nation and rouse
the great passions for which Scots are famously known, at home and abroad.
- Secondly, the
content, quality, interpretation and variety of his work is quite remarkable.
When you understand the words, which can in fact be quite simple to
do, it's easy to understand the whole piece. (unlike same other poetic
Masters whose works still then require deep thought) Remember, Burns
wrote for himself, his friends and his fellow countrymen, not just the
academics!
- Finally, and
briefly for those more academically gifted than I, it is clear that
the very structure of Burns poetry is unusual in itself Just try looking
at the phraseology & rhythm to any of his poems.
Burns
composed hundreds of songs, poems and letters over a 22 year period of
his life. Most were entirely of his own inspiration and some were re-workings
of old or lost pieces from time past. Here is a brief introduction to
a few of his most famous :-
(Clicking
the link on a poem below will take you to the relevant work in the Archive)
Tam
O'Shanter (simply meaning "Tom from the village of Shanter")
This is
considered his great folklore masterpiece, a chilling & fantastic
story in which Burns describes his friend Tam O'Shanter, whom, being the
worse for drink makes his way home on horseback, astride "Meg" his trusty
stead. The tale describes Tam's thoughts as he travels the road on a wet
& wild night. On passing the Auld Kirk (old church) at Alloway, he
believes he has witnessed the Devil himself, hosting a wild party within
the sacred building, together with witches & ghosts. The story is
vivid in imagery and serves to remind the reader of the effects of over-indulgence
in alcohol. (The "Auld Kirk" at Alloway still stands today, just a short
distance from the cottage in which Burns was born. The little graveyard
is the resting-place of Burns' father, William)
"A Man's a
man for a' that." (A man is a man for all that)
- One of the most poignant of Burns' songs, which draws stark comparison
between the rich nobility and the poor peasant. Interestingly, the Socialites
of the time did not appear to notice that they themselves were the subjects
of Rabbie's scorn. (Nothing has changed today!) The piece is powerful
and emotional and describes in the most wonderfully potent yet humbling
words, just what makes a true Man.
O'
My Luve is like a red, red rose - surely the most famous love
poem and a well-known song, which women particularly enjoy. Simplicity
itself, short and tender. This poem uses simple easily understood language,
which possibly has added to its appeal.
Holy
Willie's Prayer - After Burns' disgraceful interaction with Jean
Armour resulting in her pregnancy, he was made to stand before the Kirk
Session (Church Council) The Presbyterian Church of Scotland held strong
influence within the community, and were severe in their views. His punishment
- to show public penance in open church for 3 consecutive weeks! Following
this most embarrassing humiliation, Burns wrote "Holy Willie's Prayer"
in defiance of the hypocrisy he saw within the Church. This piece was
also directed at one William Fisher, an Elder of the Church, who had also
decried a friend of Burns for not properly observing the Sabbath. The
Poets imagination playfully yet angrily suggests a prayer made by Fisher,
in which the Church Elder's own indiscretions are defended.
To a Mouse - This poem wonderfully
demonstrates Burns' powers of observation, his deep feeling for humanity
and his gentle emotion. One day whilst ploughing a field, he notices he
has cut through the nest of a small field mouse. This clearly upsets Burns.
He then writes down his thoughts in simple verse, as though writing to
the mouse, commenting on the destruction he had caused, his guilt and
his sorrow. He remarks on the comparison between the pitiful mouse, his
own wretched life and human frailty.
Address to a Haggis
- One of the most regularly celebrated of Burns's poems, recited at Burns
Suppers, St. Andrews Nights or Caledonian Society events, where that most
famous of Scottish delicacies "Haggis" is on the menu. Burns thought so
highly of the meal that he felt compelled to write of it. Here he describes
its popularity and stature as the greatest of foods, drawing comparison
with other dishes & foreign servings. He suggests that the Scot who
eats Haggis draws great strength from it, setting him above other men.
Willie Wastle - This poem
reflects Burns wicked yet hilarious sense of humour. The poem is about
a man called Willie Wastle, who had the misfortune to be married to one
of the ugliest women imaginable. It is alleged that Rabbie was in fact
making reference to the wife of an acquaintance, but that he changed the
name in fear of reprisal. This short piece describes in brilliantly comic
detail, every visual imperfection of the poor woman's features. Each verse
concludes with Burns derogatory summation…."Sic
a wife as Willie had, I wad na gie a button for her" (Such a wife as Willie
had, I would not give a button for her!!)
Ae
fond Kiss - (One fond Kiss) The piece is recognised as one of
the most powerful yet
tragic love poems Burns wrote. He wrote this piece for his beloved "Clarinda"
The short 3 verses describe the shattering of a deep relationship between
two lovers, and the desperate heart breaking emotion and realisation of
what might have been….and what no longer can be. In many a tribute
to Burns, describing his interactions with the fairer sex, you will hear
the lines -
"Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted- We had ne'er been broken hearted"
( Had we never loved so kindly, Had we never loved so blindly,
Never met- or never parted- We had never been broken hearted)
Why
is Burns so Important
?
Back
This is
possibly the start of the difficult questions, particularly since Burns
means so much, to so many people. In simplistic terms Robert Burns is
most certainly one of the greatest poets who ever lived, and is hugely
"important" for that reason alone……. but the issue is more complex.
Ask anyone outside Scotland, to name "Something representative of Scotland"
and you will often hear things like - "St Andrew, Haggis, Whisky, Bagpipes,
Braveheart (!), Kilts, Heather, Sean Connery (!) and of course Robert
Burns"
Burns therefore has been adopted as a National Symbol of Scotland……which
may in some ways seem appear strange. It must be recognised however (and
this is a personal & perhaps controversial opinion) that the "Scots"
as a nation, identify greatly with "Burns the Man" It could be argued
that our cultural history & heritage has been founded on :- perpetual
struggle, conflict, persecution, comradeship, nationalism, and great victories
in the face of adversity…….all of which may have contributed
to the modern day perception that Scots are :- rugged fighters, standing
up for our rights, humorous, friendly, fiery yet gentle, passionate, and
incredibly proud.
It can be seen therefore, that in many ways Robert Burns was and still
is representative of these characteristics….. as a Poet, in his Writings,
as a Person and as a Scot. His fame, as one of the world's greatest poets,
makes these points more obvious.
It is no wonder that he has been adopted as Scotland's most "Famous Son"…..
It is no wonder that the Scottish Nation has elevated his memory to being
a Cultural Symbol of Scotland, …and it is no wonder that millions
of Scots & descendants of Scots throughout the world recognise this
too.
Why do people Celebrate
his Memory ?
Back
This is
the second difficult question, and is largely answered in the rational
in the previous section describing his importance in general.
Setting aside the obvious link between Burns and Scottish symbolism, it
is clear that his memory is celebrated for a number of reasons:-
At its
basic level,
and dating back to the early years after his death, it became apparent
that the World had lost one of its greatest literary geniuses. As previously
suggested, he had achieved the modern equivalent of "stardom" albeit that
his fame at that time could not actually reach today's typical "mass"
proportions. It is recorded at that time that many groups of his friends,
associates and "fans" would form societies, memorial groups, and of course
"Burns Clubs" to preserve & promote his memory through celebration
of his life and work. (Documentary evidence of this can be found in our
Archive Section)
This first
recorded Burns celebration was held in July 1801 on the anniversary of
his death. Later this would change to the evening of the anniversary of
his birth and would become "Burns Night" with the focal point being the
"Burns Supper" These "Burns Clubs" were the origins of the Celebration
of Burns as seen today. Similarly, Robert Burns would now be celebrated
on St. Andrews Day, and at any other social occasion in the Calendar,
for those with a link to Scottish Heritage.
At its crudest level, it could be argued that Robert Burns became more
famous after his death, in a similar way to modern icons like Elvis Presley,
James Dean, JFK etc. Over the years, the decades, and now centuries, the
"Burns Phenomenon" gained momentum.
On a general level, the origins of the significant number of first generation
Scottish emigrants which subsequently populated North America, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, and the Colonies of Great Britain, coupled with
the modern ex-patriate populous in Japan, the Middle East, the Far East,
Russia, Europe, and every corner of the globe have taken with them this
important cultural celebration which represents their heritage.
The cornerstone of the Celebration of the Life of Robert Burns however,
still remains in its purest form here in Scotland.
Why
is he so Important in Cultural
History
?
Back
The final
difficult question!….. but to be brief…..Robert Burns is representative
of much that is Scotland, not only today, but in Scotland's historic roots.
Like many countries, the Scots have a proud and unique Cultural History….but
few countries have claim to a man of such genius, common identity, and
worldwide fame and appreciation as Burns. His poems, letters & songs
not only demonstrate his obvious ability….they inspire…. they
rouse the imagination….. they fuel the heart,….and they accurately
represent and depict life in 18th century Scotland.
Not only are his works historically important for the obvious reasons,
but also for the less obvious. He is symbolic of Scotland and the Scottish
people. He became famous…and has achieved "immortality" which protects
and perpetuates his fame today.
Surely a man who achieves this stature, and is celebrated in such a fashion
throughout the world is worthy of this elevation.
Why
all the Fuss ?
Back
The easiest question of all……simply answered…..Why Not?
This article written by "Mac" at The World Burns Club….with reference
to information in the book "The
Complete Works of Robert Burns"
by
Dr. James A Mackay
(7th January
2000)
|
