Poem Analysis - Bonaparte

Introduction: A Portrait of Ruthless Ambition

Sir Walter Scott's "Bonaparte" is a scathing indictment of Napoleon Bonaparte, portraying him as a destructive force fueled by insatiable ambition. The poem adopts a critical and condemnatory tone, tracing Napoleon's rise from humble origins to his reign of terror across Europe. The poem's mood is initially one of disgust and moral outrage, intensifying into a prophetic warning of Napoleon's ultimate downfall. The poem uses vivid imagery and historical allusions to paint a picture of a leader consumed by a thirst for power, ultimately destined for ruin.

The Corrosive Nature of Ambition

One of the central themes of the poem is the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. Scott personifies Ambition as a shadowy figure, a "fiend unmask'd," who guides Napoleon's actions. The poem describes ambition's progression from the days of Caesar and Alexander the Great as becoming more depraved and obvious. She is no longer veiled in any semblance of nobility. This embodies the poem's central idea that Napoleon's ambition is not a noble pursuit but a base and ravenous appetite. The phrase "Realms could not glut his pride, blood not slake" vividly captures this insatiable desire. This imagery suggests that Napoleon's ambition is not merely a desire for power, but a fundamental flaw that leads him to inflict suffering and destruction on a vast scale.

From Obscurity to Scourge: The Rise of Evil

The poem also explores the theme of evil emerging from unexpected origins. Scott emphasizes Napoleon's humble birth, stating, "From a rude isle, his ruder lineage came." This is contrasted sharply with the immense scale of his subsequent impact. The poem continues this contrast by further stating "The spark, that, from a suburb hovel's hearth / Ascending, wraps some capital in flame, / Hath not a meaner or more sordid birth." The image of a small spark igniting a vast conflagration serves as a powerful metaphor for how a seemingly insignificant individual can rise to become a force of widespread destruction. This theme suggests that evil can arise from anywhere and that even the most humble beginnings can harbor the seeds of great wickedness. Napoleon is not an anomaly, but a representation of latent potential for destruction found in anyone.

Divine Justice and Inevitable Downfall

Another significant theme is the idea of divine justice and the inevitability of Napoleon's downfall. The "Prelate" in the fourth stanza serves as a prophetic voice, warning Napoleon that his power is built on "shifting sand" and "temper'd it with slaughter's flood." This symbolizes the instability of Napoleon's empire and its dependence on violence. The Prelate refers to Napoleon as a "fell scourge in the Almighty's hand," suggesting that Napoleon's actions, while destructive, are ultimately part of a larger divine plan. The pronouncement that "Gore-moisten'd trees shall perish in the bud, / And, by a bloody death, shall die the Man of Blood" foreshadows Napoleon's eventual demise, implying that his reign of terror will ultimately lead to his own destruction. Scott seems to suggest there is an ultimate power that corrects the imbalance Napoleon creates.

Symbolism of the Shadowy Form and the Puppet King

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "shadowy form" with her "torch like meteor" represents Ambition as a guiding force, leading Napoleon to destruction. This image evokes a sense of darkness, instability, and impending doom. Another potent symbol is the "poor puppet" placed on the throne of Spain. This image symbolizes Napoleon's manipulative nature and his disregard for human dignity. The puppet king is a mere pawn in Napoleon's game, highlighting the extent to which Napoleon uses and discards others in his pursuit of power. The imagery of the puppet is meant to diminish Napoleon and make him seem less impressive. One can question whether Scott's decision to compare Napoleon to a puppeteer is to downplay Napoleon's power as a means to gain a feeling of security from his actions.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Tyranny

In conclusion, "Bonaparte" is a powerful condemnation of unchecked ambition and a cautionary tale about the dangers of tyranny. Through vivid imagery, historical allusions, and prophetic pronouncements, Sir Walter Scott portrays Napoleon as a destructive force ultimately destined for ruin. The poem explores the themes of ambition, evil, and divine justice, offering a stark reminder of the consequences of unbridled power. Ultimately, the poem serves as a warning against the seductive allure of ambition and a reaffirmation of the enduring power of morality and divine order.