Scott and the Ettrick Shepherd

Summary of the Talk:

James Robertson's talk reflects on the complex and multifaceted relationship between Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg, known as the Ettrick Shepherd. The discussion highlights the key events in their literary collaboration and personal connection, offering insights into their personalities and the dynamics of their friendship.

The traditional view posits that Scott was a supportive patron to Hogg but found him somewhat embarrassing due to Hogg’s social awkwardness and eccentricities. Hogg, in turn, admired Scott but often expressed dissatisfaction with Scott’s aristocratic leanings. Despite these tensions, a deep mutual respect and fondness prevailed throughout their relationship. Both men navigated their interactions carefully, using their personas and writings to manipulate public perception. Scott found amusement in Hogg’s quirks but remained loyal, while Hogg played up his “rustic” persona to his advantage, often mocking the pretensions of polite society.

However, the relationship was further complicated by Scott’s son-in-law, John Gibson Lockhart, who became increasingly critical of Hogg, particularly after Hogg published The Domestic Manners and Private Life of Sir Walter Scott in 1834, a memoir that Lockhart saw as insulting to Scott’s legacy. This tension between Hogg and Lockhart contrasts with the deeper bond Hogg shared with Scott.

Their relationship began in 1801 when Scott, working on Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, met Hogg, a shepherd with a rich oral tradition. Scott, impressed by Hogg’s natural talent and character, forged a friendship that would span years. Hogg, although grateful for Scott’s support, often felt overshadowed by Scott's success, leading to occasional conflicts. Notably, their differences were exacerbated when Hogg’s work The Brownie of Bodsbeck was seen as a response to Scott’s Old Mortality, though Hogg insisted his novel was written before Scott’s.

Despite these issues, Hogg always acknowledged Scott’s generosity and support. In later years, Hogg reflected on the tension between their respective literary schools—Scott’s emphasis on chivalric themes versus Hogg’s focus on rural and democratic roots. Their eventual fallouts were often linked to Hogg’s sensitivity about his work being overshadowed or misinterpreted by Scott’s influence.

Interesting Points Worth Mentioning:

1. Mutual Manipulation of Public Image: Both Scott and Hogg carefully constructed their public personas. Scott often mocked Hogg in private but was supportive in public, while Hogg played up his "shepherd" image to gain social access. This manipulation of image was a strategy for both men to further their own careers and reputations.
2. Hogg’s Critique of Scott: Hogg did not shy away from criticizing Scott, especially regarding Scott’s aristocratic sympathies. This critique, especially in Hogg’s Anecdotes of Sir W. Scott, angered Scott’s biographer, John Gibson Lockhart, who felt it undermined Scott’s legacy. Hogg's observations show a different, more democratic approach to Scottish identity compared to Scott’s romanticized, aristocratic view.
3. The Brownie of Bodsbeck vs. Old Mortality: The publication of Hogg’s The Brownie of Bodsbeck after Scott’s Old Mortality created tension, as Hogg felt unfairly labelled as an imitator. This episode reflects deeper issues between the two, particularly Hogg’s struggle for recognition outside of Scott’s shadow.
4. Hogg’s Masterpiece: The Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is recognized as Hogg’s masterpiece and a significant work in Scottish literature. Interestingly, it bears no trace of Scott’s influence, suggesting that Hogg excelled creatively when not under Scott’s literary guidance.
5. Legacy and Reversal of Reputation: Robertson notes that in the 19th century, Scott’s fame far outstripped Hogg’s, but in the modern era, the reverse is true. This shift in reputation emphasizes how literary fortunes can change over time, and how both writers have been re-evaluated in contemporary contexts.

The talk also touches on the influence of Scott on other writers, like Hans Christian Andersen, who was inspired by Scott’s work. Hogg’s own literary influence is part of a broader European context, showing that Scott’s impact extended beyond British borders.

In conclusion, Robertson’s talk reflects the complexities of the Scott-Hogg relationship—marked by affection, rivalry, and mutual influence—and offers a rich portrait of two major figures in Scottish literature.