Neil Gunn and Walter Scott: Attitudes to Scotland

Summary of the Talk:

Lt. Cdr. Dairmid Gunn's talk explores the literary and cultural connections between Sir Walter Scott and Neil Gunn, focusing on their attitudes toward Scotland. It offers a detailed comparison of how these two writers, from different time periods, shaped and expressed Scottish identity through their works.

• Walter Scott and Neil Gunn’s Early Influences: Scott was influenced by the landscapes of Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, while Gunn was shaped by the dramatic Caithness coast. Both authors were deeply connected to their environments, which influenced their writings.
• Scott’s Legacy: Scott, often regarded as the founder of the historical novel, used his knowledge of Scotland's turbulent past to craft stories that explored themes of nationalism and identity. He was deeply invested in preserving Scottish history and culture, as seen in works like Waverley and Marmion, which portrayed Scotland’s conflicts and tragedies with a mixture of patriotism and realism.
• Gunn’s Contribution: Gunn, part of the Scottish Literary Renaissance, aimed to portray Scotland as a unique and powerful land while also addressing contemporary issues like the decline of rural life. His works, like The Silver Darlings, focus on the resilience of communities and individuals despite hardships, such as the Clearances and the collapse of traditional industries.
• Historical Context: Gunn and Scott shared a concern with Scotland’s historical identity, both referencing events like the Jacobite uprisings and the Clearances. Scott, writing in the 19th century, captured Scotland's past, while Gunn, writing in the 20th century, was preoccupied with its future, especially after the industrial and societal shifts that followed.
• Literary Evolution: The talk also contrasts the pessimism in earlier Scottish literature, exemplified by figures like Stevenson, with the optimistic spirit of the Scottish Literary Renaissance, of which Gunn was a part. Gunn's works moved beyond the sentimental Kailyard school to focus on the real issues facing Scotland, including the loss of innocence and the search for cultural integrity.

Interesting Points:

1. Historical Imagination: Both Scott and Gunn possessed a strong historical imagination, with Scott often examining Scotland’s tragic past and Gunn seeking to understand and portray its future. Scott’s work was imbued with patriotism, but Gunn’s writing represented a call for renewal and reawakening in the face of social decay.
2. The Clearances: Both authors addressed the legacy of the Scottish Clearances. For Scott, it was a personal observation of the Highland clearances in the early 19th century. For Gunn, it was a broader cultural and emotional betrayal, as evidenced in Butcher’s Broom.
3. Nationalism and Cultural Identity: Gunn’s views on nationalism, particularly his belief in small nations as defenders of individual freedom, resonated with Scott’s own patriotism. The talk highlights the importance of cultural identity and the role of literature in fostering a nation’s sense of self.
4. Character Development: In the discussion of character development, Dairmid highlights how Scott created strong, relatable characters like Jeanie Deans in The Heart of Midlothian, who embodies Scotland’s heart and spirit. This contrasts with Gunn’s own portrayal of characters who represent resilience and community values, as seen in his works like The Silver Darlings. Both authors used their characters to explore and express national identity and the collective strength of Scotland.

Overall, Dairmid's talk offers a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of literature, history, and national identity, showing how both Scott and Gunn contributed to a sense of Scotland's cultural and historical narrative.