Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

A Battle of Killiecrankie" by William Edmonstoune Aytoun is a stirring and emotive poem that encapsulates the tense atmosphere and the patriotic fervor of soldiers before the historic battle of Killiecrankie.

Provenance and Context

The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought in 1689 during the Jacobite Uprising between the forces of the deposed King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) and those of the new monarchs, William III and Mary II. The Jacobites were led by Viscount Dundee, John Graham of Claverhouse, a hero to his supporters and a villain to his enemies. Aytoun was a staunch unionist and critic of the romanticized Jacobite history. Despite this, he wrote a highly engaging and emotive poem that revolved around this historical event.

Themes

Patriotism and Heroism: The poem's overarching theme is the strong sense of patriotism and heroism among the soldiers. The speaker motivates his soldiers by evoking their love for their country and king.

Honor and Loyalty: The poem places significant emphasis on the notions of honor and loyalty. The soldiers are urged to remember their duty to their country and king and the sacrifices of their predecessors.

War and Mortality: Aytoun's poem doesn't shy away from the realities of war and mortality. The speaker acknowledges the possibility of death in battle, stating that if he is missing after the fight, they should search for him where the dead are lying thickest.

Poetic Devices

Imagery: Aytoun uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the battlefield and the looming battle. The mist rising in columns, the roaring torrent, and the soldiers rising from their lair amidst the broom create a sensory experience that draws readers into the poem's historical context.

Alliteration and Assonance: The poem employs alliteration ("belted on our tartans", "proved them keen and true") and assonance ("Then we prayed the prayer of soldiers"), which give a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its recitation and emphasizing its themes.

Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem employs a varying rhyme scheme. While the initial pattern seems to be ABCB, DEFE, the pattern changes and varies from stanza to stanza. This rhyme scheme enhances the storytelling.

Historical Allusion: The poem contains historical allusions, such as to King James, the Royal Martyr, and the field of Magus Muir. These references root the poem in its historical context and add depth to the speaker's exhortations.

Overall, "A Battle of Killiecrankie" is a powerful depiction of the fervor, loyalty, and determination of soldiers on the eve of battle. Despite Aytoun's political stance, the poem does an exceptional job of capturing the emotions and stakes of a historic moment.

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