The Greek Blockhead: Sir Walter Scott, Greek, Greece and the Greeks

Summary of the Talk:

The text explores the relationship between Sir Walter Scott and classical Greece. It delves into Scott's complex and often humorous views on Greek studies, noting that despite being a self-proclaimed "Greek Blockhead" in his youth, Scott's later life reveals a nuanced engagement with Greek culture, history, and literature.

1. Scott’s Early Disdain for Greek:
2. Scott was famously bad at Greek during his time at the University of Edinburgh, even earning the nickname "Greek Blockhead." He initially resisted the language, preferring medieval and chivalric literature instead. His classical education was "flimsy and inaccurate," though he acknowledged its importance.
3. Scott's Relationship with Classical Literature:
4. Despite his poor grasp of Greek, Scott admired classical literature, especially Homer. He respected Homer’s historical contributions, seeing him as both a poet and a historian. Scott’s historical novels and poetry were often influenced by classical ideas, even if he did not embrace classical studies directly.
5. Scott and the Greek Independence Movement:
6. Scott showed some interest in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830) and admired the spirit of Greek independence, though he was less actively involved in the philhellenic movement compared to contemporaries like Lord Byron.
7. Travel and Interest in Greece:
8. Later in life, Scott expressed a desire to visit Greece, which he viewed through the lens of both its ancient history and contemporary struggles. His potential travels were influenced by his romanticism toward Greece's classical past and modern political struggles, though health and practical concerns (such as travel insurance) hindered his trip.
9. Greece and Edinburgh:
10. Edinburgh, under Scott’s influence, became known as "The Athens of the North," a romanticized city that mirrored Greece's classical heritage in its architecture and cultural aspirations. Scott participated in this cultural movement, although he personally maintained a sceptical distance from pure classical scholarship.
11. Scott's Literary Works and Greek Influence:
12. While not a classical scholar, Scott’s works were occasionally enriched with classical references, especially Homeric allusions, showing a deeper, albeit selective, engagement with Greek culture. His later works, including Count Robert of Paris, drew upon ancient Greek themes, indicating a growing appreciation of Greek history and mythology.
13. Scott's Desire to Visit Greece:
14. Despite his health issues, Scott planned a late-life journey to Greece. His intentions were to visit the classical sites, but his deteriorating health, alongside practical obstacles like travel insurance and political instability in Greece, prevented the trip.

Interesting Observations:

• Scott’s Self-Deprecation: Scott often downplayed his classical education, but his works show that he had a deep, albeit indirect, relationship with classical ideas.
• Edinburgh’s Classical Aspirations: The romanticisation of Greece in Edinburgh, especially during Scott's time, highlights how the city aspired to be seen as a centre of classical culture, similar to Athens.
• Byron and Philhellenism: While Scott was more reserved than Byron in his support for the Greek cause, there was a shared admiration for Greece’s ancient legacy. Scott, however, was more ambivalent about the political situation in Greece.
• Travel and Tourism: Scott’s would-be trip to Greece contrasts the more adventurous spirit of the Grand Tour with a modern concern for insurance and practicality, marking a shift in travel culture.

The essay highlights Scott’s evolving and multifaceted view of Greece, moving from youthful disregard to a more measured appreciation, especially in his later works and his reflections on Greek independence.

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