The Influence of Nature in Robert Burns Poetry

102 Literature of the Neo Classical Periods

Name: Trupti Naik

Batch: M.A Sem 1 [2023-2025]

Enrollment Number : 5108230028

Roll number: 31

E-mail Address: nayaktrupti188@gmail.com

Assignment details:- 

Topic: The Influence of Nature in Robert Burns Poetry

Paper: 102 Literature of the Neo classical period

Subject code: 22393

Submitted to:- S.B. Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023

Robert Burns:-

Robert Burns, (born January 25, 1759, Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland—died July 21, 1796, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire), national poet of Scotland, who wrote lyrics and songs in Scots and in English. He was also famous for his amours and his rebellion against orthodox religion and morality.

Development as a poet:-

Burns developed rapidly throughout 1784 and 1785 as an “occasional” poet who more and more turned to verse to express his emotions of love, friendship, or amusement or his ironical contemplation of the social scene. But these were not spontaneous effusions by an almost illiterate peasant. Burns was a conscious craftsman; his entries in the commonplace book that he had begun in 1783 reveal that from the beginning he was interested in the technical problems of versification

 

Legacy of Robert Burns:-

Burns was a man of great intellectual energy and force of character who, in a class-ridden society, never found an environment in which he could fully exercise his personality. It may be argued that Scottish culture in his day was incapable of providing an intellectual background that could replace the Calvinism that Burns rejected, or that Burns’s talent was squandered on an Edinburgh literati that, according to English critics, were second-raters. Yet he lived during the cultural and intellectual tumult known as the Scottish Enlightenment, and the problem was ultimately more than one of personalities. The only substitute for the rejected Calvinism seemed to be, for Burns, a sentimental Deism, a facile belief in the good heart as all, and this was arguably not a creed rich or complex enough to nourish great poetry. That Burns in spite of this produced so much fine poetry shows the strength of his unique genius, and that he has become the Scottish national poet is a tribute to his hold on the popular imagination.

Inspiration and Observation:

Nature was Burns' muse. He found inspiration in the rolling hills, the meandering rivers, the changing seasons, and the diverse flora and fauna. He had a keen eye for detail, observing the nuances of nature—the way a flower bloomed, the flight of a bird, or the movement of the wind. His observations allowed him to infuse his poetry with vivid imagery and sensory descriptions, bringing nature to life on the page.

Emotional Connection:

For Burns, nature wasn't just a subject; it was a source of emotional resonance. He felt a deep spiritual connection with the natural world, often finding solace, reflection, and a sense of belonging in its embrace. In his works, he expressed a range of emotions inspired by nature—joy, melancholy, awe, and gratitude.

Symbolism and Metaphor:

Nature served as a powerful metaphor in Burns' poetry. He used natural elements to symbolize human experiences, emotions, and relationships. Whether it was comparing a lover to a red, red rose or reflecting on life's fleeting nature akin to the passing of seasons, he skillfully utilized nature as a lens through which to explore profound themes.

Love and Nature:

Burns frequently intertwined themes of love with nature. His famous poem "A Red, Red Rose" draws parallels between the enduring nature of love and the beauty of natural elements. Nature serves as a metaphor for emotions and human experiences, lending depth and vividness to his romantic verses.

Celebrating Simple Pleasures:

In his works, Burns celebrated the simple pleasures derived from nature—a beautiful sunset, the charm of a country lane, the song of a bird, or the fragrance of a flower. He found solace and inspiration in these everyday occurrences, emphasizing their significance in the human experience.

'A Red Red Rose' 

A Red, Red Rose is known as a pre-romantic poem, as Robert Burns was a poet who influenced Romanticism (1790-1850). The Romantic Movement characteristics of strong feelings, emotions, and the glorification of nature can be seen in the poem’s narrator explaining his passionate, everlasting love through comparison to a lasting red rose in bloom.

"A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns can be described in terms of nature through its vivid imagery and comparisons to elements found in the natural world.

The poem uses the metaphor of a red rose to describe the poet's love. The comparison to a rose, particularly a "red, red" one, evokes the beauty, freshness, and vibrancy of nature. It captures the essence of the natural world's vivid colors and fragrant blossoms.

The line "O my Luve's like the melodie That’s sweetly play'd in tune!" compares the poet's love to a sweet melody, likening the feelings to the harmonious and delightful sounds found in nature, perhaps the melodious tunes of birds or the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Additionally, the references to seas, rocks, and sands invoke the vastness and enduring quality of nature. The imagery of the seas going dry and the rocks melting with the sun portrays a sense of timelessness and the constancy of the poet's love, drawing parallels to the enduring nature of natural elements.

Nature plays a significant role in "A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns as it serves as a metaphorical backdrop that enhances the depth and significance of the poet's love. The poem draws heavily from the imagery and elements of nature to vividly describe the intensity and enduring nature of the speaker's affection.

Nature serves as a canvas upon which Burns paints a picture of everlasting love. Its presence in the poem enriches the emotional depth, symbolizing the enduring quality and eternal beauty of the speaker's affection for their beloved.

'To a Mouse'

To a Mouse is a famous poem by Robert Burns, written in 1785. It's a heartfelt, introspective piece that addresses a field mouse. The poem was inspired by an incident when Burns accidentally destroyed a mouse's nest while plowing a field. This encounter led him to contemplate the mouse's disrupted life and, by extension, the unpredictable nature of existence.

The title "To a Mouse" refers to Burns directly addressing the mouse, empathizing with its situation and expressing regret for causing its distress. The poem is written in Scottish dialect, adding a distinctive charm to the language used.

In the poem, Burns reflects on how the mouse's carefully constructed home was destroyed and, in doing so, draws a parallel to human experiences. He empathizes with the mouse, acknowledging that despite our best intentions and plans, life can often be uncertain and plans can go awry.

Theme of Nature:-

To a Mouse," the theme of nature is intricately woven throughout the poem, reflecting on the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Nature, as depicted in the poem, is characterized by its unpredictability and the fragility of life. The mouse's meticulous efforts to build a home are abruptly disrupted, mirroring the sudden changes and uncertainties that can disrupt life in the natural realm. This theme emphasizes the delicate balance and vulnerability of all creatures within their environments.

Burns expresses admiration for the mouse's industriousness and resilience in creating its shelter. He marvels at the mouse's efforts and acknowledges its inherent right to live peacefully, showcasing an appreciation for the natural instincts and endeavors of creatures in their habitats.

The encounter with the mouse leads Burns to introspection. He contemplates the mouse's disrupted life and recognizes the futility of trying to predict or control nature's course. This reflection prompts humility in the face of nature's vastness and the realization of the limitations of human understanding and power over the natural world.

To a Mouse, encapsulates the essence of nature's unpredictability, interconnectedness, and the inherent vulnerability shared by all creatures. It serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's place within the larger framework of the natural world, evoking themes of empathy, admiration, and humility in the face of nature's constant flux and unpredictability.

'The Banks o' Doon'

"The Banks o' Doon" is a lyrical poem where Burns reflects upon the scenic beauty of the River Doon in Ayrshire, Scotland. The poet vividly describes the landscape along the riverbanks, painting a picturesque scene that captures the tranquility and serenity of nature. The poem not only focuses on the physical attributes of the river but also delves into the emotional connection the poet feels with the surroundings.

Here's an excerpt from "The Banks o' Doon":

"How pleasant thy banks and green valleys below,

Where, wild in the woodlands, the primroses blow;

There oft, as mild Ev'ning sweeps over the lea,

The sweet-scented birk shades my Mary and me."

In this poem, Burns immerses the reader in the beauty of the natural world, highlighting the charm of the riverbanks, the woods, and the blooming flowers. The mention of sharing these scenes with Mary, his muse or love interest, adds a personal touch, infusing the natural setting with emotional depth and significance.

"The Banks o' Doon" exemplifies Burns' ability to intertwine the themes of nature, love, and personal experience, showcasing his appreciation for the serene and idyllic aspects of the natural world while infusing it with sentimental value.

'The Birks of Aberfeldy'

In this poem, Burns celebrates the beauty of nature, specifically focusing on the birch trees (or "birks") in the town of Aberfeldy in Scotland. The poem reflects upon a walk the poet takes through the birch-covered hillsides and the emotional response evoked by the natural scenery.

Here's an excerpt from "The Birks of Aberfeldy":

"Bonnie lassie, will ye go,

Will ye go, will ye go,

Bonnie lassie, will ye go

To the birks of Aberfeldy!"

In this verse, Burns invites a "bonnie lassie" to accompany him to the birch-covered hills of Aberfeldy, emphasizing the allure and beauty of nature as an ideal setting for romantic companionship.

Throughout the poem, Burns vividly describes the landscape, painting a picturesque scene of the birch trees, murmuring streams, and the overall tranquility of the natural environment. He captures the essence of the birch woods' charm and the soothing effect of nature on the human spirit.

"The Birks of Aberfeldy" stands as another testament to Burns' ability to infuse his appreciation for nature into his poetry, portraying the natural world as a source of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration.

Conclusion: 

Nature's importance in Burns' poetry lies in its ability to evoke vivid imagery, emotional depth, and universal themes. Nature isn't just a backdrop in Burns poetry; In "A Red, Red Rose," he compares love to a blooming rose, harnessing nature's imagery to express enduring affection. "To a Mouse" shows his empathy for nature's vulnerability through the disrupted life of a field mouse. Both "The Birks of Aberfeldy" and "The Banks o' Doon" vividly capture scenic landscapes, revealing Burns deep admiration for nature's beauty.

it's a character itself, reflecting life's unpredictability, resilience, and timelessness. He uses nature's elements to evoke emotion and paint vivid pictures, connecting human experiences to the natural world. Burns's influence on nature lies in how he seamlessly blends human emotions with nature's beauty, leaving a lasting impression that celebrates, reflects upon, and immortalizes the essence of the natural world in his verses.

References:-

 Albert, Edward. History of English Literature. Oxford University Press, 22 June 2017.

Daiches, David. "Robert Burns". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Burns. Accessed 24 November 2023.

Word Count - 1908

Images - 5