Marmion, A Tale of Flodden Field: A Marketing Triumph

Summary of the Talk:

Alasdair Hutton’s talk explored Sir Walter Scott’s Marmion as both a historical and literary work, particularly questioning whether it truly is A Tale of Flodden Field or rather a brilliant piece of marketing. He examined the historical context of the Battle of Flodden (1513), how Scott wove the battle into his poem, and why the poem became such a success.

1. The Battle of Flodden: Historical Background

• The Political Context:
• The battle was not merely a clash between Scotland and England but was tied to the larger European conflict involving France, England, and the Papacy.
• James IV of Scotland had long tried to be a peacemaker but was ultimately bound by the Auld Alliance with France.
• In 1512, James renewed the alliance, promising to attack England if Henry VIII invaded France.
• James IV’s Decision to Invade England:
• Henry VIII launched his campaign in France in June 1513.
• James IV led his army into England to relieve pressure on France.
• Despite supernatural warnings (a ghostly figure at Linlithgow and a voice naming doomed men in Edinburgh), James persisted.
• The Scottish Army:
• Well-supplied and reinforced with French military advisers.
• Occupied a strong position at Flodden Edge with well-prepared fortifications.
• Brought modern artillery, including the famed "Seven Sisters" cannons.
• The Fatal Scottish Mistakes:
• The Scots abandoned their strong position when the English approached from the north.
• Scottish artillery, positioned too high, fired over the English.
• The Scots fought with long pikes, an effective tactic on level ground but disastrous on uneven terrain.
• The English, using shorter halberds (billhooks), broke the Scottish formations and slaughtered them in close combat.
• The Aftermath:
• James IV was killed in battle, along with much of Scotland’s nobility.
• The English refused to take prisoners, slaughtering the Scottish forces.
• Thirteen earls, fourteen lords, an archbishop, and two bishops were among the dead.
• The battle left Scotland leaderless and devastated.

2. Marmion and Its Use of Flodden

• A Misleading Title?
• Despite being called A Tale of Flodden Field, the battle itself only appears near the end of the poem.
• The first four and a half cantos focus on the fictional Marmion, his treachery, and his downfall.
• Flodden is first mentioned only a third of the way through Canto IV.
• Scott’s Storytelling Priorities:
• The poem is more about Marmion’s journey, deceit, and ultimate fate than the historical battle.
• Marmion’s treatment of Clare de Clare, Constance de Beverley, and Sir Ralph de Wilton dominates the narrative.
• Even when the poem reaches Flodden, Scott dwells more on the rumoured affair between James IV and Lady Heron than on the military strategy.
• Scott’s Depiction of the Battle:
• The battle sequence is vividly written, bringing the action to life.
• He captures the desperation and chaos of the fight.
• His description is largely accurate, though he does not credit James IV for his early tactical successes.

3. Marmion as a Marketing Triumph

• Scott’s Genius for Promotion:
• Marmion followed the success of The Lay of the Last Minstrel.
• Scott knew a dramatic morality tale set in Scotland would captivate readers.
• The title A Tale of Flodden Field gave the poem emotional weight, even though it was primarily about Marmion’s downfall.
• Scott’s Role in Scottish Cultural Revival:
• Marmion was part of Scott’s larger effort to revive Scottish history and pride.
• A decade later, he played a key role in rediscovering the Honours of Scotland and orchestrating King George IV’s visit to Scotland.
• He gave Scots a renewed sense of national identity.

4. Key Takeaways

• Marmion is not truly A Tale of Flodden Field but rather a morality tale set against the backdrop of the battle.
• The Battle of Flodden was a tragic event for Scotland, driven by political alliances rather than direct enmity with England.
• Scott’s poem brilliantly mixed history with fiction, ensuring its commercial and cultural success.
• Even today, Marmion remains a compelling read, demonstrating Scott’s enduring ability to shape how history is remembered.

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