Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Walter Scott, a luminary in the annals of English literature, is best remembered for his outstanding contributions to the narrative form. His narrative poem "The Eve of Saint John," published in 1800, captures his storytelling genius and provides an enlightening insight into his craft and the cultural context that influenced his work.

Walter Scott, known for his command of the narrative form, was a Scottish poet and novelist of the Romantic era. "The Eve of Saint John," is no exception to his command, showcasing his storytelling prowess, vivid descriptive skills, and deep understanding of human emotions.

Scott lived and wrote during the Romantic period, a time when literature was characterized by a strong emphasis on emotion, imagination, and a reverence for nature. Additionally, the Romantic period was a time of great interest in folklore, supernatural elements, and historical settings—all of which are evident in "The Eve of Saint John."

"The Eve of Saint John" by Sir Walter Scott presents an intriguing narrative set on a medieval borderland castle, Smailholm Tower, during Midsummer Eve, also known as the eve of Saint John. The poem focuses on a particular superstition that the spirits of those who are to die in the coming year will be seen walking into the church at midnight.

The poem begins with the lady of the castle, Margaret, awaiting a knight, Sir Richard of Coldinghame, who has promised to meet her. As the clock strikes midnight, Margaret grows increasingly nervous when there is a knock at the gate. She inquires who it is, and a voice replies, identifying himself as Sir Richard. When Margaret presses him to reveal his identity, he warns her not to question further. Regardless, she opens the gate and is met with a horrifying sight — a spectral figure that resembles Sir Richard but appears pale and ghostly.

The narrative takes a chilling turn as the specter presents Margaret with a piece of advice - to pray for Sir Richard's soul, thereby indicating his death. The poem ends with the real Sir Richard's body discovered the next day, revealing that he was killed in a skirmish with Englishmen on his way to meet Margaret.

Theme Analysis

The narrative of "The Eve of Saint John" taps into several themes. The most evident is the supernatural, a prevalent theme in Gothic literature and a common fascination during the Romantic period. The ghostly apparition of Sir Richard introduces an element of the unknown and eerie, creating a sense of suspense and unease. Scott portrays this supernatural occurrence as an accepted part of life, a natural phenomenon on such a mystic night, and explores how its characters interact with this ghostly manifestation.

The poem also explores themes of love, honor, and tragedy. Sir Richard's promise to Margaret and his attempt to keep it, even in death, reflects a sense of chivalric love and honor. Meanwhile, the tragic end of the knight and Margaret's horrified reaction underscores the theme of tragic love.

Poetic Devices

The narrative's suspenseful and eerie atmosphere is heightened through Scott's use of dark and haunting imagery. Scott's descriptions, like "The death-shot of foemen outspeeding, he rode on the mountain-tops near," paint a vivid picture of the dire circumstances of Sir Richard's fate, drawing readers into the narrative's grim tone.

Rhyme and meter also play significant roles in the poem's narrative progression. The regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) and the ballad stanza form give the poem a steady rhythm that adds to its tale-telling quality while making the suspenseful narrative even more captivating.

To conclude, Walter Scott's "The Eve of Saint John" weaves a suspenseful, supernatural narrative imbued with themes of love, honor, and tragedy. Through his vivid imagery, rhythmic patterns, and masterful storytelling, Scott crafts a gripping narrative that delves deep into the human psyche and the era's fascination with the supernatural. It stands as a powerful testament to Scott's prowess as a narrative poet.

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