The Evolution of National Identity and Patriotism in the Poetry of Robert Burns

The Evolution of National Identity and Patriotism in the Poetry of Robert Burns

Self Introduction :-

Name : Rahul Desai 

Roll no. : 26

Semester : 1

Paper no : 102

Paper Name : The Literature of Neo-Classical Period 

Assignment Topic : The Evolution of National Identity and Patriotism in the Poetry of Robert Burns

Submitted To : Smt. S.B. Gardi, Department of English (Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University)

Email ID : rahuldesai477@gmail.com

Table of contents :-

✧ Introduction of Neo-Classical Period :-

✧ Topic

1. Robert Burns as a National Bard :-

2. Representation of Scottish Identity :-

3. Themes of Patriotism and Nationalism :-

4. Social and political context :-

5. Critique and reflection on society :-

6. Influence on Scottish Folk Music :-

7. Gender and National Identity :-

8. Regionalism and Universality in Burns's themes :-

9. Comparison with other Nationalistic Movements :-

10. Influence and Legacy :-

✧ In the End :-

✧ References :-

Introduction of Neo-Classical Period :-

Neoclassical period known as a 18th century or Augustan age. The first half of the 18th century is remarkable for the rapid social development in England.The Neoclassical period in English literature, spanning roughly from the late 17th to the late 18th century, was characterized by a revival of classical ideals and a profound emphasis on reason, order, and formal structure in literary works. Inspired by the values of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical writers sought to emulate the clarity, restraint, and balance found in classical literature. This era marked a departure from the flamboyance of the preceding Renaissance period, focusing instead on rationality, logic, and social harmony. Neoclassical literature emphasized clarity of expression, adherence to established literary forms such as the heroic couplet, and the exploration of moral and didactic themes, aiming to instruct and edify readers through reason and intellect. Central figures of the Neoclassical era include writers like Alexander Pope, John Dryden, and Samuel Johnson, who championed order, decorum, and artistic precision in their literary endeavors. This 18th century is known as the age of Enlightenment.

Now let's keep the main focus on the topic and see in detail...

✰ Topic :-

The Evolution of National Identity and Patriotism in the Poetry of Robert Burns

1. Robert Burns as a National Bard :-

Robert Burns was a prominent writer in Neo-Classical period. He made a very precious place in the English Literature. He gave his valuable contribution to the era. Robert Burns was well known for his style of writing and use of logic, romantic elements, reason, structure and many more in his works of art. The first is the plowman Burns, who speaks straight from the heart to the primitive emotions of the race. Robert Burns lived his sad, toilsome, erring life in the open air,  with the sun and the rain and also his songs touch all the world. Robert Burns is probably the greatest song writer of the world. Burns's poetic creed may be summed up in one of his own stanzas like...

"Give me ae speak o' Nature's fire, 

That's a' the learning I desire;

Then, though I trudge thro' dub an more

At pleugh or cart,

My Muse, though Hamley in attire,

May touch the heart."

Robert Burns's life is "a life of fragments," as Carlyle called it. Burns's known as a Scottish writer. Burns's life began when he left the farm, at seventeen, and went to Kirkoswald to study surveying. The town was the hunt of smuggled, rough-living, heard-drinking men; and Burns speedily found his way into those scenes of "riot and roaring dissipation" which were his name ever afterwards. Robert Burns's poetry, he really loves Scotland and shows it in his poems.

2. Representation of Scottish Identity :-

Robert Burns was very well represented the Scottish Identity in his all the works of art. As I can observe the things from the Robert Burns's representation of Scottish Identity proves his celebration of Scottish culture, language, and traditions. Through some notable work like  "Auld Lang Syne" and "To a Mouse," Burns immortalizes the essence of Scottishness by embracing the experiences of common folk, portraying their struggles, joys, and connections to the land. Through his writing he spread the essence of ideas, love, depict the landscapes, customs, and characters of Scotland, evoking a strong sense of national pride and identity among his readers. He revitalizes traditional Scottish songs and ballads while infusing them with his own observations and emotions, thereby contributing to the preservation and elevation of Scottish cultural heritage.

Robert Burns's style of use of the Scots language, infused with local dialects and colloquialisms, serves as a powerful vehicle for encapsulating the spirit of Scotland. Robert Burns's power and ability to capture the nuances of everyday Scottish life and the resilience of its people contributes significantly to the representation of a distinct and proud Scottish identity within his poetry, solidifying his place as the national poet of Scotland.

3. Themes of Patriotism and Nationalism :-

The ideal themes used in the patriotism and nationalism. The themes are like very significant place in the Poetry and songs of Robert Burns. Themes made a very delightful atmosphere in the English Literature. Themes are the significant background of the works and Identity of the beauty of works. I observed one thing from the Burns's themes that the themes told us its own story and Robert Burns talking to us with the language of themes and spontaneous beauty of words and place. Robert Burns's themes of patriotism and nationalism are intricately woven into his verses, reflecting a deep love and devotion to Scotland. 

Through compositions like "Scots Wha Hae" and "A Man's a Man for A' That," Burns's articulates a profound sense of patriotism, advocating for equality, social justice, and the collective strength of the Scottish people. Robert Burns's poems convey a passionate attachment to Scotland's identity, underscoring the nation's intrinsic worth and the virtues of its citizens. Robert Burns's exploration of themes like freedom, liberty, and independence in his poetry resonates deeply with notions of Scottish nationalism. Encapsulating themes of patriotism and nationalism that celebrate the essence of the Scottish nation and its enduring spirit. He really loves to explore the unity, freedom, unity of heritage and many other things.

4. Social and political context :-

Robert Burns's poetry, the social and political context of late 18th-century Scotland plays a significant role in shaping his themes of national identity and patriotism. During the time of Robert Burns's the political and social changes are on the central and significant. These changes are influenced by events such as the Scottish Enlightenment, the aftermath of the Jacobite uprisings, and the broader social transformations of the Industrial Revolution. 

Robert Burns wrote during a period when Scotland was grappling with its place within the United Kingdom and the preservation of its distinct cultural identity. The lasting impact of battle loss at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and subsequent suppression of Highland on the Scottish society. Robert Burns's poems often reflect a sense of nostalgia for Scotland's past and a desire to uphold Scottish traditions in the face of societal changes and political upheavals. As we connect with the feeling of nostalgia with Jhumpa Lahiri's work like "The Namesake". The Enlightenment ideals of reason, equality, and human rights were gaining prominence, influencing Burns's views on social justice and fairness.

Robert Burns's poems often willingly the rights of the common people and expressed solidarity with their struggles, reflecting the social tensions and inequalities prevalent in Scottish society. Robert Burns lived in an era marked by debates about Scottish national identity, as well as discussions on the relationship between Scotland and England within the United Kingdom. Politically he was very well connected with the serious matter of political power and management. Robert Burns's poetry was the aspirations of the Scottish people for cultural autonomy and a sense of national pride amid the political uncertainties of the time. And his poetry drives the Scottish people's emotions and national identities throughout the era. The social and political context are the highly sported during the era of Robert Burns.

5. Critique and reflection on society :-

We can see that in Robert Burns's poems, he talks about how society is not always fair. Society always have different types of argues and own objects to judgements. He writes about the struggles of regular people and how some folks are treated unfairly because they aren't rich or powerful. Burns believes that everyone should be treated equally and that the powerful should care more about the common people. Robert Burns's poems reflect the problems in society, like how some people have a hard life while others have it easy. Burns wants things to be fairer for everyone, and he uses his poetry to show the good and bad sides of society. He wants people to think about being kinder to each other and to work together for a better and fairer world. Some words from critiques make deep impact on the Scottish society and also the people.

6. Influence on Scottish Folk Music :-

Robert Burns loved Scottish folk music and wrote many poems that later became songs. He took old Scottish tunes and added his own words to them. His poems, like "Auld Lang Syne," became famous songs that people in Scotland and around the world still sing today. Robert Burns was the very much influenced by the beauty of Scottish Folk Music during his time period and also he include his own words in that and make it own version of music or songs also. Here is the few lines from the poem of "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns,

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And days o’ lang syne!"

Robert Burns wanted to preserve Scottish culture, so he wrote poems that people could sing along to, celebrating Scotland's traditions and stories. His love for Scottish music helped keep these old tunes alive, and through his poems-turned-songs, Burns became an important part of Scottish music history, making sure that the melodies and tales of Scotland's past were never forgotten. Robert Burns's art became more and more famous and valuable for Scottish society and became a part of Scottish culture. It's all about the great thing to remarkable success of good music and peace of mind. Music play the very significant role in all the people life.

7. Gender and National Identity :-

In Robert Burns's poetry, he talks about both men and women in Scotland. He writes about how both genders (men and women) play important roles in Scottish life. Burns shows that women, just like men, are a part of Scotland's identity and history. He writes poems that celebrate the strength and character of Scottish women, highlighting their contributions to Scottish society. Burns believes that both men and women are equally important in shaping Scotland's identity, and he honors them in his poetry as vital parts of Scotland's rich heritage. Some of the great examples like...

"A Man's a Man for A' That"

Burns celebrates the inherent strength and dignity of every human being, regardless of their station in life. Equals individuals, same considerations,  ideas, thought, strength and many more things .

"For a' that, an' a' that,

It's coming yet for a' that,

That Man to Man, the world o'er,

Shall brothers be for a' that."

These lines from the poem "A Man's a Man for A' That" emphasize the universal brotherhood of mankind, regardless of social status or wealth. 

"To a Louse": While this poem humorously focuses on a louse found on a lady's bonnet during a church service, it indirectly highlights the shared human experience, showcasing the equality of all individuals, regardless of gender, in facing life's trivialities.

"O wad some Power the giftie gie us

To see oursels as ithers see us!

It wad frae mony a blunder free us,

An' foolish notion:

What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us,

An' ev'n devotion!"

In these lines from "To a Louse," Burns reflects on the wish for the ability to see ourselves as others see us, imagining that it would spare us from many mistakes and conceited behaviors, particularly in matters of appearance and manners.

8. Regionalism and Universality in Burns's themes :-

In Robert Burns's poems, he talks about things specific to Scotland, like its people, places, and traditions. But at the same time, he writes about feelings and experiences that everyone, no matter where they're from, can relate to. This mix of talking about Scotland's unique stuff while also touching on emotions and ideas that everyone understands shows how his poems are both about Scotland and things that connect all people. Burns shows that while he's proud of Scotland, he also writes about things that everyone, everywhere can feel and understand. Robert Burns's themes should must be related to all the people and their emotions too. Robert Burns's themes used the language of regionalism and universality drives the traditions and identities.

9. Comparison with other Nationalistic Movements :-

In Robert Burns's poems, he talks a lot about Scotland and its pride. Other places had similar movements, where people felt really proud of their own countries too. Burns's poems, celebrating Scottish identity and traditions, are like those from other places where people also celebrated their own unique cultures and histories. Just like people in Scotland felt strongly about their nation, others in different parts of the world also felt a strong connection to their own countries. Burns's poems about Scotland's identity can be compared to writings from other places where people cherished their culture and history, showing that love and pride for one's homeland are feelings shared by many around the world.

Burns celebrated Scottish identity, Irish poets like William Butler Yeats expressed pride in Irish culture and history. Yeats's poems often revolved around Irish folklore, myths, and the struggle for independence, reflecting a similar sentiment of national pride and identity.  Polish poets during the Romantic era, like Adam Mickiewicz, highlighted Poland's history and folklore in their writings, aiming to preserve Polish identity during times of political adversity. Mickiewicz's works focused on national themes and the fight for Polish independence, akin to Burns's emphasis on Scotland's unique heritage. Bengali Renaissance in India, during the Bengali Renaissance, poets like Rabindranath Tagore in India celebrated Bengali culture and language, advocating for cultural revival and pride. Tagore's poems, much like Burns's, emphasized the importance of cultural identity and its preservation.

10. Influence and Legacy :-

Robert Burns's influence and legacy in Scottish culture are huge. His poems, filled with love for Scotland, inspired many people then and continue to do so now. His writings celebrated Scotland's language, traditions, and the everyday lives of its people. Even today, Burns's poems are sung as songs and remembered in celebrations like Burns Night. His legacy lives on in Scottish culture, reminding people of their heritage and the importance of their national identity. Burns's influence goes beyond Scotland too; his themes of love, equality, and pride in one's roots resonate with people worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on literature and national pride everywhere.

In the End :-

Robert Burns's poetry is a powerful celebration of Scotland's heart and soul. Through his heartfelt verses, he honored Scottish culture, its people, and their stories. His poems became a voice for national pride and unity, reminding Scots of their rich heritage and shared values. Burns's legacy continues to inspire pride not just in Scotland but across the world, as his themes of love, fairness, and respect for one's roots echo universally. His poetry remains a timeless tribute to the importance of embracing one's identity, honoring traditions, and cherishing the essence of a nation, making him a beloved figure whose words continue to resonate with hearts far and wide. 

References :-

➣ Long, William J. English Literature, Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English-Speaking World. 86A College Street (Y.M.C.A. Building) Kolkata - 700073, 2009. ISBN : 81-89293-54-0

➣ "Robert Burns and Cultural Authority" by Robert Crawford.

➣ Hutchinson, Stephen. “Nationalism and Liberalism in Robert Burns, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth’s Poems.” Nationalism and Liberalism in Robert Burns, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth’s Poems, 1 Jan. 1970, lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/8921427. https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/8921427/file/8921428.pdf

➣Burns, Robert. As a bard of nation. https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/authors-artists-vagrants/robert-burns-poet-lyracist-national-figure

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