Poem Analysis - Poem On Pastoral Poetry

A Celebration of Poetry's Power and Scottish Roots

Robert Burns' "Poem On Pastoral Poetry" is a lively ode to poetic artistry, blending admiration for classical poets with a proud defense of Scotland's rustic traditions. The tone shifts from playful teasing—mocking failed attempts at pastoral verse—to earnest reverence for nature and honest expression. Burns' signature humor shines through, but beneath the wit lies a serious plea for recognizing the value of simple, heartfelt poetry rooted in rural life.

Historical Context and Bardic Pride

Written in Scots dialect, the poem reflects Burns' deep connection to Scottish identity and his frustration with literary elitism. He contrasts bombastic imitators of Greek and Roman classics (like "Squire Pope") with fellow Scot "honest Allan" (likely poet Allan Ramsay), whose work captures authentic "Caledonian" beauty. This aligns with Burns' own mission to elevate folk traditions and challenge the dominance of English literary norms in 18th-century Britain.

Themes: Authenticity vs. Pretension

The poem critiques poets who "swerv'd frae common sense" chasing false grandeur, contrasting them with those like Theocritus (father of pastoral poetry) who drew power from simplicity. Burns argues true pastoral verse requires intimate knowledge of rural life—"thy rural loves are Nature's sel'"—not just borrowed "heathen tatters" from ancient texts. The recurring sheepdog imagery ("herd's ballats") underscores this divide between natural and artificial artistry.

Nature as Muse and Measure

Vivid landscapes—"gowany glens" and "hazelly shaws"—serve as both setting and spiritual test for poetry. Burns suggests only verses that mirror nature's unforced rhythms (like birdsong joining shepherds' songs at dusk) achieve timelessness. The poem itself mimics this organic quality, with dialect and rustic metaphors proving his argument through form.

A Defiant Legacy

The closing stanzas transform into a manifesto: Scottish poets like Allan (and by extension, Burns) deserve equal standing with Greek legends because they capture "auld Nature to the nines." The defiant declaration—"The teeth o' time may gnaw Tantallan, But thou's for ever"—positions humble pastoral poetry as eternal, outlasting even ruined castles. Burns elevates local voices while questioning who gets remembered in literary history.