Poem Analysis - Behold The Hour The Boat Arrive

A Heartfelt Farewell

Robert Burns's "Behold The Hour, The Boat, Arrive" is a poignant expression of love and loss at the moment of parting. The poem captures the speaker's intense sorrow as his beloved Nancy departs, likely on a sea voyage. The tone is initially one of despair and longing, gradually shifting towards a bittersweet acceptance fueled by the hope that she will remember him. This emotional journey is conveyed through vivid imagery of separation and the speaker's desperate yearning.

The Agony of Separation

One of the central themes of the poem is the pain of separation and the fear of being forgotten. The opening lines, "Behold the hour, the boat, arrive! My dearest Nancy, O fareweel!" immediately establish the context of departure and the speaker’s distress. He questions his very ability to survive without her: "Severed frae thee, can I survive, Frae thee whom I hae lov'd sae weel?" This rhetorical question underscores the depth of his dependence on her and the perceived impossibility of a life without her presence.

Love's Enduring Hope

Despite the overwhelming grief, the poem also explores the enduring power of love and the hope for remembrance. The speaker finds solace in the belief "That thou wilt still remember me!" This hope acts as a lifeline, providing a "most precious, dear belief" to cling to in the face of despair. This is not just about being remembered; it suggests that her memory of him will sustain him through the difficult times ahead. It transforms the tone from pure despair to a mix of sadness and hope.

Nature as a Reflection of Inner Turmoil

The poem utilizes natural imagery to reflect the speaker's internal state. The "solitary shore" and the "flitting sea-fowl" create a scene of loneliness and restlessness, mirroring the speaker's emotional turmoil. The "rolling, dashing roar" of the sea symbolizes the turbulent emotions he is experiencing. His "wishful eye" turning westward signifies his yearning for Nancy and the distant land where she will be. The natural world becomes an extension of his grief, amplifying the sense of isolation and longing.

The Exotic "Indian Grove" and Lingering Questions

The image of the "Indian grove" is particularly striking. This exotic setting, where Nancy’s "path shall be," represents a place of beauty and sweetness, a stark contrast to the speaker's desolate reality. By imagining her journey through this idyllic landscape, the speaker attempts to maintain a connection with her. The question, "O tell me, does she muse on me?" reveals his deep insecurity and desperate need for reassurance. One might wonder if the speaker's idealization of the "Indian grove" reflects a romanticized view of a life he can no longer share with Nancy, highlighting the irreversible nature of their separation.

A Farewell of Enduring Sentiment

In conclusion, "Behold The Hour, The Boat, Arrive" is a poignant portrayal of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Burns effectively conveys the speaker's grief and longing through vivid imagery and a shifting emotional landscape. While the poem centers on the pain of separation, it also offers a glimmer of hope in the belief that love can transcend physical distance and endure in the heart and mind. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of saying goodbye and the bittersweet hope that those we love will remember us.