Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lament for the Makaris (When He Was Seik)" is a poignant poem written by William Dunbar, a Scottish poet of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The poem reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, addressing the passing of various poets and literary figures of the time.

William Dunbar was one of the most prominent Scottish poets of the medieval period. "Lament for the Makaris" is considered one of his masterpieces, showcasing his skill in creating elegiac poetry and his keen awareness of mortality.

The main theme of the poem is the universality of death and the lamentation for the loss of esteemed poets and artists. It explores the fleeting nature of human existence and the inescapable grip of mortality. Through its elegiac tone, the poem reflects on the impermanence of worldly joys and the somber reality of death.

The Poetic devices are:

Rhyme and Meter: "Lament for the Makaris" is written in rhyming quatrains, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem employs a mix of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter, creating a regular and musical rhythm.

Alliteration: Dunbar uses alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, to add musicality and emphasize certain words and phrases. For instance, in the line "That euer in erd I haif espyit," the repeated "e" and "i" sounds create a melodic effect.

Imagery: The poem employs vivid and evocative imagery to convey the speaker's contemplation of death and the transitory nature of life. Phrases like "corpus naturale" and "The fader of victouris" create powerful visual and sensory images, enhancing the reader's understanding of the themes and emotions expressed.

Repetition: The phrase "Timor mortis conturbat me" (The fear of death disturbs me) is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a refrain that emphasizes the central theme and adds a sense of unity to the verses.

Overall, "Lament for the Makaris (When He Was Seik)" is a reflective and mournful poem that delves into the human condition and the inevitability of death. Through its skilled use of rhyme, meter, alliteration, and vivid imagery, Dunbar creates a somber and contemplative atmosphere, inviting readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of art in the face of mortality.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...