Poem Analysis - The Battle Of Sherramuir

Overview: A Conflicted Account of Battle

Robert Burns' "The Battle of Sherramuir" presents a spirited, yet ultimately ambiguous, account of the 1715 battle. The poem, written in Scots dialect, captures the chaotic energy of the conflict through the dialogue of those who witnessed it. The tone is initially one of excited inquiry and storytelling, but it shifts into a more questioning and perhaps even cynical contemplation of the battle's meaning and consequences. The poem doesn't glorify war; instead, it uses conflicting perspectives to suggest its inherent futility and the difficulty of assigning clear victory or moral high ground.

Historical Context: Jacobite Uprising

The Battle of Sherramuir was a key event in the Jacobite rising of 1715, a rebellion aiming to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. The Jacobites, largely Scottish Highlanders (represented by the clans in "tartan duds"), supported James Francis Edward Stuart, while the government forces (the "red-coat lads") defended the Hanoverian King George I. Burns, writing later, reflects on this historical event with a degree of detachment, acknowledging the complexities and divided loyalties surrounding the conflict within Scotland itself.

Theme: The Ambiguity of Victory and Defeat

A central theme in the poem is the ambiguity of victory and defeat. The poem avoids presenting a clear winner. The initial narrator describes the Highlanders' fierce charge, but the subsequent dialogue introduces conflicting accounts. One speaker claims the Highlanders were routed, while another reports seeing fleeing redcoats. This conflicting testimony emphasizes the chaos and confusion of battle, suggesting that neat narratives of triumph are often misleading. The final stanza, with its acknowledgement that "some fell for wrang, and some for right," reinforces this theme, highlighting the subjective nature of victory and the ultimately tragic loss on both sides.

Theme: The Brutality and Futility of War

The poem vividly portrays the brutality of war, contrasting this violence with the seeming pointlessness of the conflict. Images such as "reekin-red ran mony a sheugh," "blude outgush'd," and "They hack'd and hash'd" create a visceral sense of the battle's carnage. This brutality is further emphasized by the almost casual way the speakers discuss the deaths, highlighting the desensitizing effect of war. Coupled with the ambiguous outcome of the battle, this creates a sense of futility. The mention of "cogs o' brose" (bowls of porridge) in the context of fear suggests that even basic sustenance outweighs the abstract political causes for which men are fighting.

Theme: Divided Loyalties and Scottish Identity

Another significant theme is the divided loyalties within Scotland. The poem shows that the Jacobite cause did not unite all Scots. The mention of "Whigs" and "covenant True-blues" indicates factions that opposed the Jacobites, and the Angus lads' reluctance to fight their neighbors suggests a reluctance to engage in internecine conflict. The speaker's mixed feelings, mourning the loss of "gallant gentlemen" while acknowledging the deaths on both sides, underscore the complex and often painful divisions within Scottish society at the time.

Symbolism: Clothing and Appearance

The poem uses clothing and appearance as symbols of identity and allegiance. The "tartan duds" of the Highland clans represent their distinct cultural identity and their support for the Jacobite cause. Conversely, the "red-coat lads, wi' black cockauds" symbolize the British government forces. These visual cues immediately identify the opposing sides and highlight the cultural and political divide at the heart of the conflict. The "philibegs" (kilts) and "skyrin tartan trews" further emphasize the Highlanders' unique identity and their romanticized image as fierce warriors.

Concluding Thoughts: A Skeptical Reflection on War

"The Battle of Sherramuir" is not a straightforward celebration of Scottish heroism or a lament for a lost cause. Instead, it offers a skeptical and nuanced reflection on the complexities of war, the ambiguity of victory, and the enduring divisions within Scottish society. Burns uses conflicting perspectives and vivid imagery to create a chaotic and unsettling portrayal of the battle, leaving the reader to ponder the true cost and ultimate meaning of the conflict. The poem suggests that the reality of war is often far removed from the romanticized narratives that are constructed after the fact.