Scott's Shorter Verse: Versatility in an Edinburgh and European Poet

Summary of the Talk:

Professor Peter Garside's talk examines Walter Scott's shorter poems, which provide insight into his poetic evolution and European connections. The paper was prepared for The Edinburgh Edition of Walter Scott’s Poetry and specifically addresses the editorial challenges of compiling Scott’s shorter poems, some of which have never been published before. Garside notes the complexities of Scott’s prolific yet varied poetic work, which spanned different languages, cultures, and genres.

1. Editorial Approach: Garside discusses the editorial process involved in compiling Scott’s shorter poems, detailing issues like textual sources, the definition of "shorter poems," and the challenge of organizing them either thematically or chronologically. The collection includes poems Scott wrote after the publication of Waverley (1814), showing his continued poetic engagement.
2. Poetic Development: The talk traces Scott's poetic journey from early translations of Virgil’s Aeneid to the influence of German, French, and other European languages, reflecting his growing international perspective. Scott’s early work included translations, such as those of Goethe and Bürger, as well as poems inspired by his relationships and personal experiences.
3. German Influence: A significant portion of Scott’s poetic development is tied to his engagement with German literature, especially during his youth. German translations played a crucial role in Scott’s career, and his literary circle in Edinburgh fostered this interest. Scott also wrote songs based on German folk tunes, which were published and sometimes inspired by the context of war and political upheavals in Europe.
4. European Political Engagement: Scott’s work frequently intertwined with European politics, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. For example, his poem The Rouze of the Royal Edinburgh Light Dragoons relates to his personal involvement in volunteer military efforts during the French invasion threat. His poems also celebrated British military successes, including the Peninsular War.
5. Final Works: Garside also delves into Scott’s later works, including the final poem written under the shadow of illness, highlighting the decline in Scott’s abilities but also the continued engagement with European figures like Princess Zenaide Wolkonsky. The talk concludes by reflecting on how Scott's sense of Europe as a unified entity contrasts with modern political movements, such as Brexit, and his own resistance to Britain’s detachment from European affairs.

Interesting Points:

• Scott’s Relationship with Europe: The extent to which Scott integrated European influences, particularly from Germany and France, into his work is striking. His language acquisition and translations were not just scholarly exercises but were intimately tied to his personal and political growth.
• Personal Influence: It’s fascinating how Scott’s romantic relationships, such as his courtship of Jessie and Williamina Belsches, directly impacted his poetic output, adding a layer of personal depth to his works.
• Scott’s Later Life and Illness: The fact that his later poems, particularly the final one written while severely ill, explore the limitations imposed by aging and illness, provides a poignant view of Scott's mindset in his last years.
• Modern Parallels: Garside’s comparison of Scott’s vision of Europe with contemporary issues like Brexit is particularly thought-provoking. Scott's belief in European unity, despite political and cultural differences, contrasts sharply with modern sentiments that favour national isolation.