No New Year's Eve celebration would be complete without the iconic tune of Robert Burns' 'Auld Lang Syne' (1796). This Scottish poet (1759-1796) captured the essence of his homeland through his renowned use of the Scots language. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life of Robert Burns and the recurring themes of love, separation, and religion in his poetry.
Early Life and Education
Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, as the eldest of seven children in a struggling farming family. He and his brother Gilbert were initially educated at Alloway School, but due to financial constraints, they were later taught by John Murdoch, an Edinburgh student. Their father also briefly took on their education before they attended Dalrymple School. However, at the age of twelve, Burns had to leave his studies to work on his father's farm in Ayrshire, which unfortunately did not yield much income. The family moved from one farm to another, facing financial struggles, until finally settling on a farm in Mossgiel after his father's passing in 1784.
Meeting Jean Armour (1767-1834)
In 1785, Robert Burns became a father for the first time to a child born to a servant on the family farm named Elizabeth Paton (1760-c.1799). Soon after, he entered into a relationship with Jean Armour, and she became pregnant with twins in late 1785. Burns wrote a marriage proposal for Armour in 1786, but her father disapproved and sent her to live with relatives in Paisley. Her father also took legal action against Burns for having a child out of wedlock. During this time, Burns also had a brief relationship with Mary Campbell (c. 1763-1786), known as 'Highland Mary'.
Planned Emigration and Early Success
Facing financial struggles on the farm, Burns planned to move to Jamaica in 1786 for work. In order to raise funds for his journey, he published his first collection of poems, 'Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect', which gained considerable success and improved his financial situation. This collection, also known as the Kilmarnock Edition, marked the beginning of his career as a renowned poet.
Sadness and Success
In October 1786, Mary Campbell passed away from typhus, causing Burns to abandon his plans for Jamaica. He instead traveled to Edinburgh to prepare for a second edition of his book and search for a patron. Although he did not find the patron he was hoping for, Burns edited a six-volume collection of traditional Scottish folk songs titled 'The Scots Musical Museum' (1787-1803), featuring around 160 of his compositions. This collection includes some of his most famous works, such as the love poem 'A Red, Red Rose' (1794) and the well-known 'Auld Lang Syne' (1796).
Meeting Agnes Maclehose (1758-1841)
In December 1787, Burns met Agnes Maclehose (1759-1841) at a tea party in Edinburgh. She was a well-educated woman from Glasgow who had separated from her husband in 1780. The two began a platonic affair through letters, using the aliases 'Sylvander' and 'Clarinda' for privacy. Meanwhile, the Kirk recognized Burns and Armour's marriage, and she moved in with him after being disowned by her family.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1788, Burns and his wife moved to Ellisland Farm near Dumfries, where he worked as a tax collector. However, the farm did not bring in enough income, so in 1791, the family relocated to Dumfries. Stricken with grief upon learning of Maclehose's plan to leave Scotland, Burns sent her the love poem 'Ae Fond Kiss' (1791) as a farewell gift. He passed away on July 21, 1796, in Dumfries, leaving behind a total of nine children with Armour and twelve children altogether. Although the cause of his death remains a mystery, many believe it was related to excessive drinking or a heart condition, a theory that sparked much debate.
Mrs. Armour lived in Dumfries until her passing in 1834. Out of the nine children she had with Robert Burns, only three outlived her.
One of Robert Burns' earliest works was his collection of poems, known as the Kilmarnock Edition. Published in 1786, it was a resounding success with thousands of copies sold.
In his collection of poems, Burns delves into various themes, one of them being religion. He presents a satirical take on prevalent religious beliefs of his time and challenges the idea of living in fear of Hell, rejecting it as a hindrance to enjoying life's pleasures.
Two notable poems from the collection, 'The Jolly Beggars' and 'The Holy Fair', embody this theme of religion and its mockery in Burns' work.
In addition to his exploration of religion, Burns also showcases his mastery of various literary techniques in his poems, adding depth and enhancing the tone and rhythm. Some of these techniques include:
In his poem, 'The Holy Fair', Burns pays tribute to the Scottish literary tradition of depicting popular festivals and celebrations. The structure of the poem closely resembles another popular work, 'Hallow-Fair' by Robert Fergusson.
Consisting of 27 stanzas, each with nine lines, 'The Holy Fair' follows a ABABCDCDE rhyme scheme and maintains the rhythm of iambic tetrameter and trimeter.
Iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter are two common poetic meters used to create a rhythmic structure in poetry. In iambic tetrameter, there are four stressed syllables in each line, while in iambic trimeter, there are three. These poetic meters are often utilized in love poems that explore themes of separation and longing.
Many of Burns' love poems were inspired by his own personal relationships. He even wrote some of them to traditional Scottish folk tunes. His love for Jean Armour, who was the inspiration for 14 of his love poems, is evident in 'Of A' The Airts The Wind Can Blaw', which he composed during their honeymoon. In an excerpt from the poem, Burns expresses his deep affection for Jean:
That nane can be sae dear to me
As my sweet lovely Jean!
However, Burns' brief encounter with Mary Campbell in 1786, also known as "Highland Mary", influenced some of his works. Some believe that she was pregnant with Burns' child when she passed away from typhus. The theme of separation can be seen in two of Burns' poems written for Campbell, 'Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary?' and 'The Highland Lassie O''. In "Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary?", Burns reflects on the possibility of Mary leaving Scotland with him, but realizes that their love may not withstand the distance. Similarly, in 'The Highland Lassie O'', the speaker is certain of their love enduring the separation, yet the pain is still visible in the lines:
Altho' thro' foreign climes I range,
I know her heart will never change;
For her bosom burns with honor's glow,
My faithful Highland Lassie, O-
Another notable love poem by Burns, 'Ae Fond Kiss', was written as a parting gift to Agnes Maclehose, with whom he had a passionate but ill-fated affair. In this poem, the speaker asks for one last kiss before they part ways, never to see each other again. The heartbreak and longing are evident in the lines:
Though we sever, my fond treasure,
Far distant may we be;
Till that fond moment, so much pleasure,
My agèd heart shall cheer.
Apart from his captivating love poems, Burns also left behind inspiring quotes in his letters and poems.
In his letter to his dear friend, Andrew Aiken, Robert Burns imparts wisdom and encourages him to hold on to his honor and independence. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values in the face of fear and temptation, stating that "where ye feel your honour grip, let that aye be your border." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Burns' work - his celebration of Scotland's history, culture, and beauty.
One of Burns' most famous works, "Auld Lang Syne", is a reminder to cherish old memories and friends while welcoming the new year. The song has become a beloved tradition, with people singing it every New Year's Eve in the UK. Another beloved tradition is the celebration of Burns' birthday with a traditional Burns Night, where a recitation of his humorous poem "Address to a Haggis" often kicks off the festivities. In this poem, Burns pays tribute to the traditional Scottish dish of haggis, declaring it superior to all other types of sausage.
But Burns' contribution to Scottish literature goes beyond these celebrations and festivities. Born in Alloway, Scotland on January 25th, 1759, Burns was the eldest of seven children in a poor farming family. Despite the challenges that his family faced, Burns developed a deep love for poetry and a strong desire to preserve the Scots language, which was facing increasing pressure from the dominance of English literature.
Burns' first published collection of poems, "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" (1786), was a major success and put him on the map as a notable poet. This success led him to abandon his plan to move to Jamaica. He went on to publish more collections, anthologies, and traditional Scottish folk songs.
Many literary critics consider Burns to be a pre-Romantic poet, as his writing often focused on the beauty of nature and human emotions. This was in contrast to the rise of industrialization and the preference for scientific logic over faith during the Romantic period. In his poem "The Answer" (1787), Burns expresses his deep desire to celebrate Scotland's beauty and culture, a sentiment that he carried with him until his death.
Religion, love, and separation are recurring themes in Burns' work. He challenged strict religious teachings, believing they took away from life's pleasures. He also had many lovers, who inspired some of his most famous love poems, including "A Red, Red Rose" (1794).
Unfortunately, Burns' life was cut short. He passed away at the young age of 37 on July 21st, 1796 in Dumfries, Scotland. While the exact cause of his death remains a subject of debate, it is believed that excessive drinking and a potential heart condition played a role.
Despite his short life, Robert Burns left a lasting impact on Scottish culture and literature. His poetic works continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many readers, remaining relevant even today. And as we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of his famous words, "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne!"
In conclusion, the legendary poet Robert Burns continues to be a treasured figure in Scottish literature, with his words of wisdom and celebration of Scottish culture resonating with readers even today. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of literature and continue to inspire generations to come.
Robert Burns, a renowned poet of Scotland, is widely celebrated for his admiration of his country's natural beauty, his belief in individualism, and his exploration of human emotions. His legacy has cemented him as one of the most beloved poets in the nation's history.
Born in 1759, Burns was a prolific writer, producing over 550 poems in his lifetime. Some of his most renowned works include the beloved New Year's Eve song, "Auld Lang Syne," written in 1796, and the iconic love poem, "A Red, Red Rose," published in 1794. However, his contributions extended beyond his own original compositions. He also played a crucial role in preserving traditional Scottish folk songs, ensuring that they would be enjoyed by future generations.
