Poem Analysis - Lament Of Mary Queen Of Scots

An Introduction to Lament

William Wordsworth's "Lament of Mary Queen of Scots" is a poignant expression of sorrow, isolation, and resignation. The poem captures the imagined inner thoughts of Mary Queen of Scots as she reflects on her imprisoned state on the cusp of a new year. Initially, the tone is one of weary despair, punctuated by fleeting moments of hope quickly dashed by the weight of her circumstances. The poem gradually progresses towards a somber acceptance of her fate and a reliance on faith.

Historical Echoes: Mary's Plight

The poem draws heavily on the historical context of Mary Queen of Scots' life. Mary, a Catholic queen in a Protestant England, was seen as a threat by Queen Elizabeth I. After fleeing Scotland, she sought refuge in England, only to be imprisoned by Elizabeth for nearly two decades. This imprisonment, fueled by political and religious anxieties, forms the very foundation of Mary's lament. Wordsworth effectively uses this historical backdrop to amplify the tragedy of her situation, highlighting her powerlessness and the injustice she perceives.

The Crushing Weight of Isolation

One of the central themes of the poem is isolation. Mary explicitly states, "Me, unapproached by any friend," emphasizing her physical and emotional detachment. The festive celebrations occurring outside her prison walls only intensify her sense of exclusion. The lines "While I am forced to watch and weep, / By wounds that may not heal" underscore the profound loneliness that permeates her existence. The moon's light, though initially welcomed as a "gentle flash," ultimately serves as a reminder of the freedom and joy she cannot access.

The Bitter Fruit of Ambition

The theme of lost power and ambition is interwoven throughout the poem. Mary reflects on her elevated status, "Born all too high, by wedlock raised / Still higher," only to be "cast thus low!" She laments that her royal state is the source of her "bitterness of woe." There's a palpable sense of regret, a yearning for a simpler life "Than the sweet flowerets of the fields." The poem suggests that her ambition, ironically, led to her downfall, and the trappings of royalty have become the instruments of her suffering.

Faith as a Refuge

As the poem progresses, a theme of religious faith emerges as a source of solace. Mary acknowledges the betrayal and disappointments she has faced: "By friends deceived, by foes betrayed." Ultimately, she declares, "Nought but the world-redeeming Cross / Is able to support my loss." This turn towards faith represents a crucial shift in the poem. While she cannot escape her physical imprisonment, she finds a sense of freedom and strength in her spiritual convictions. Her final plea, "O keep them innocent!" speaks to her desire to maintain her moral integrity even in the face of adversity.

Symbols of Hope and Despair

The poem is rich in symbolism. The moon initially symbolizes hope and connection, but it becomes a reminder of what Mary lacks. The "wounds that may not heal" represent not just physical suffering, but the deeper emotional scars of betrayal and loss. The "death-note of the year" sounded by the clock serves as a stark reminder of the passing of time and the nearing of her execution. In contrast, the "world-redeeming Cross" symbolizes hope and salvation, offering a path to redemption despite her earthly suffering. Could the recurring image of light versus darkness represent Mary's internal struggle between hope and despair, a battle waged within the confines of her prison cell?

Concluding Thoughts: A Queen's Resignation

In conclusion, "Lament of Mary Queen of Scots" is a powerful exploration of isolation, lost ambition, and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Wordsworth paints a moving portrait of a queen stripped of her power, forced to confront her mortality and find solace in her spiritual beliefs. The poem resonates not just as a historical reflection but as a universal exploration of human suffering and the search for meaning in the darkest of times.