Poem Analysis - To Mr E On His Translation Of And Commentaries On Martial

A Sharp-Tongued Critique: Introduction

Robert Burns's "To Mr E - on his translation of and commentaries on Martial" is a short, sharp, and satirical jab at a translator whose work Burns clearly deems inadequate. The poem's tone is one of unadulterated scorn and ridicule, immediately establishing a negative impression of Mr. E's abilities. There are no real shifts in mood; the poem maintains its scathing assessment from beginning to end. It's a brief but potent expression of artistic disapproval.

Literary Context and Burns's Style

Robert Burns was a renowned Scottish poet known for his use of wit, satire, and social commentary. He often targeted hypocrisy and pretension in his work, and "To Mr E" falls squarely within this tradition. His background as a commoner who achieved literary fame gave him a unique perspective to critique established figures and perceived incompetence, even within the realm of literary translation. This poem reflects his confidence and willingness to challenge established literary efforts that he deemed substandard.

Theme of Artistic Integrity: A Poet's Fury

The poem's central theme is the importance of artistic integrity. Burns is not merely criticizing a bad translation; he's lamenting what he sees as a desecration of Martial's work. The lines, "O Thou, whom Poesy abhors, / Whom Prose has turned out of doors," suggests that Mr. E's work is so poor it's rejected by both poetry and prose, implying a complete failure of literary craft. The poem emphasizes the necessity for translators to respect the original work and possess the skill to render it effectively.

Imagery of Literary "Murder": Vivid Condemnation

The most striking image in the poem is the metaphor of "Murther!" shouted by "laurell'd Martial." This vividly portrays the translator's work as a violent act against the original poet. The use of "laurell'd" to describe Martial adds weight to the accusation, as it signifies his established literary merit being tarnished by Mr. E's inadequate translation. This intense imagery reinforces the poem's overall message of utter disapproval, presenting the translation not as a simple mistake but as an act of literary violence.

Poetic Licence for Critique

This poem showcases the power of poetic licence to critique and express dissatisfaction. Burns uses hyperbole to convey the utter failure of Mr. E's translation. It poses an interesting question about the nature of critique itself: how far can a poet go in expressing their disdain for another's work? Does Burns's sharp tone effectively convey his message, or does it risk being perceived as overly harsh? The poem, in its brevity and directness, provides a fascinating example of literary criticism in poetic form.

Summary: A Lasting Literary Judgement

In conclusion, "To Mr E" is a concise and powerful condemnation of a translation that Burns finds abhorrent. Through the use of strong imagery, satire, and a tone of unwavering scorn, Burns conveys his belief in the importance of artistic integrity. The poem serves as a lasting judgement on Mr. E's work, immortalizing Burns's disapproval and reminding us of the responsibility that comes with translating and interpreting great works of literature. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to both create and critique.