Poem Analysis - Lines On Stirling

Initial Impression and Tone

Robert Burns' "Lines on Stirling" presents a stark and melancholic reflection on the decline of the Stewart dynasty in Scotland. The poem's tone is initially somber and nostalgic, shifting to bitterness and resentment as it progresses. The speaker laments the fall of a once-great royal line and expresses disdain for the current rulers. The poem is written in response to a critique, adding a layer of defensiveness and defiance to the overall mood.

Historical and Authorial Context

Robert Burns, a renowned Scottish poet, wrote this poem in the late 18th century, a time when Scotland was undergoing significant political and social changes. The Stewart dynasty, which had ruled Scotland for centuries, was replaced by the House of Hanover. Burns' poem reflects the sentiments of many Scots who felt a deep sense of loss and resentment over this political shift. The poem's historical context is crucial for understanding the speaker's nostalgia for the Stewart era and their disdain for the current rulers.

Themes: Nostalgia and Loss

The poem's primary theme is nostalgia for a lost golden age, embodied by the Stewart dynasty. The speaker reminisces about the Stewart's triumphant reign and their role in establishing laws for Scotland's well-being. The imagery of the "unroof'd" palace and the "fallen" sceptre symbolizes the decay and decline of the Stewart's power. The speaker's longing for the past is palpable, and their bitterness towards the present is evident in their description of the current rulers as an "idiot race" who are "grovelling reptiles."

Themes: Political Discontent

The poem also explores themes of political discontent and resentment towards foreign rule. The speaker's use of the term "outlandish" to describe the current rulers underscores their foreignness and illegitimacy in the eyes of the speaker. The speaker's disdain for the current rulers is evident in their description of them as an "idiot race" who are despised by those who know them best. This theme reflects the broader political sentiments of many Scots during this time period, who resented the imposition of foreign rule.

Themes: Defiance and Rebuke

The final section of the poem shifts to a tone of defiance and rebuke, as the speaker responds to a critique of their poem. The speaker's use of the phrase "damn that ass's heel" is a bold and defiant rebuke of their critic. The speaker's reference to Aesop's fable of the lion and the ass suggests that they see themselves as the lion, a powerful and noble figure, and their critic as the ass, a foolish and contemptible figure. This theme underscores the speaker's unyielding stance and their refusal to back down in the face of criticism.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem's most vivid image is that of the "unroof'd" palace, which symbolizes the decay and decline of the Stewart dynasty. The palace, once a symbol of power and grandeur, now stands as a ruin, a stark reminder of the Stewart's fallen glory. The speaker's use of the term "grovelling reptiles" to describe the current rulers is a powerful and evocative image that underscores their disdain and contempt. The speaker's reference to the "injured Stewart-line" suggests that they see the Stewart dynasty as a victim of injustice, a noble and noble line that has been wrongfully displaced.

Conclusion

"Lines on Stirling" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of nostalgia, political discontent, and defiance. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Burns captures the sentiments of many Scots during this time period, who felt a deep sense of loss and resentment over the fall of the Stewart dynasty and the imposition of foreign rule. The poem's unyielding stance and defiant tone underscore the speaker's refusal to back down in the face of criticism, and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. Ultimately, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of nostalgia and the enduring legacy of political discontent.