Poem Analysis - Davie Gellatleys Song

A Song of Contrasts: Introduction

Sir Walter Scott's "Davie Gellatley's Song" is a concise exploration of the contrasting characteristics of youth and old age, particularly in matters of love, anger, and action. The poem uses simple, repetitive language and vivid imagery to highlight these differences. The tone is initially lighthearted, punctuated by the seemingly cheerful refrain about the bird, but it gradually darkens as the implications of the contrasts become clearer. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of the enduring, and potentially dangerous, nature of old age.

The Enduring Power of Age: Themes of Love and Wrath

One of the poem's central themes is the contrasting nature of love in youth and old age. The first stanza suggests that young men's love might be more immediately exciting ("more fair and more fast"), but the love of older men is presented as more enduring ("the longest will last"). This implies a deeper, more profound connection that withstands the test of time. Similarly, the theme of anger is explored in the second stanza. Youthful anger is likened to "light straw on fire," suggesting a quick but fleeting passion. Conversely, the anger of old men is compared to "red-hot steel," implying a slow-burning, intensely destructive force. The juxtaposition of these contrasting images emphasizes the idea that age brings not only longevity but also a potentially more dangerous intensity of emotion.

The Dawn of Action: The Sword as a Symbol

The third stanza introduces a theme of action, again contrasting the approaches of young and old. While the young man might "brawl at the evening board," suggesting impulsive and perhaps inconsequential arguments, the old man "will draw at the dawning the sword." This image is particularly potent. The "sword" serves as a symbol of decisive, potentially lethal action. The fact that the old man draws it "at the dawning" suggests a calculated, deliberate response, implying a willingness to take serious, even deadly, measures. It presents a picture of the old not just as wise or loving, but as formidable.

The Throstle-Cock's Secret: A Recurring Image

The recurring image of the "throstle-cock's head is under his wing" is perhaps the most intriguing element of the poem. This refrain appears at the end of each stanza, providing a constant counterpoint to the contrasting descriptions of youth and age. One possible interpretation is that the bird represents a sense of peace or contentment, but even rest can contain an element of danger. Its position "under his wing" implies safety and protection, but also perhaps vulnerability or ignorance of the passions of the people above. It could also symbolize the natural world as indifferent to human emotions, a reminder that regardless of the drama of human life, nature continues its cycle undisturbed. Is the bird's hidden head a sign of peaceful sleep, oblivious to the storms of human emotion, or a warning of hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of tranquility?

Old Age: Conclusion

"Davie Gellatley's Song" is a powerful, if brief, meditation on the differences between youth and old age. While the poem acknowledges the vibrant energy of youth, it ultimately emphasizes the enduring power and potential danger of age. The recurring image of the hidden bird encourages the audience to question the face-value of the comparisons in the poem. By juxtaposing contrasting images and themes, Scott creates a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, leaving us to consider the complexities and contradictions inherent in the passage of time.