Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Twilight on Tweed" is a reflective, deeply emotional poem written by the Scottish poet and literary critic Andrew Lang. It is part of Lang's larger body of work, much of which explores Scottish history and folklore, providing the reader with a rich tapestry of the nation's cultural and natural landscapes.

The provenance of the poem is steeped in Lang's love for his homeland. Born in the Scottish Borders, the region's unique history and geography had a profound influence on his work. "Twilight on Tweed" is a particular exemplification of this, as it encapsulates the poignant beauty of the River Tweed, a natural landmark of the Scottish Borders.

Lang's poem delves into the theme of nostalgia and memory, exploring the poet's own longing for the past. The River Tweed is portrayed as a source of childhood memories, symbolizing a golden, idyllic period of innocence. Yet, it also becomes a symbol of loss and longing, as Lang acknowledges that the world of his youth is no longer accessible.

This sense of longing is further heightened by the invocation of Sir Walter Scott, the renowned Scottish historical novelist and poet. Scott, like Lang, was deeply influenced by the Borders landscape and is forever associated with it. Lang's reference to Scott serves both as a tribute to a respected literary figure and a reminder of the deep historical resonance of the landscape.

In terms of poetic devices, Lang employs vivid imagery and metaphor to evoke the beauty and melancholy of the landscape. The opening line "THREE crests against the saffron sky, / Beyond the purple plain," paints a vivid picture of the border's sunset, immediately pulling readers into the poem's setting.

The river Tweed is personified as a comforting presence with a "kind remembered melody," further underscoring Lang's emotional connection to the landscape. The metaphor of the river as a "loved ghost" is particularly striking, suggesting both the affectionate nostalgia and the eerie sense of absence that characterize Lang's recollection of the past.

The use of alliteration in phrases like "fabled flood" and "dusky land" lends a rhythmic quality to the poem, creating a soothing melody that mirrors the "voice" of the Tweed.

The poem is also marked by a strong sense of melancholy, as seen in the last stanza, "Twilight, and Tweed, and Eildon Hill, / Fair and too fair you be; / You tell me that the voice is still / That should have welcomed me." This sense of loss, expressed through the symbolic silence of the welcoming voice, underscores the theme of longing and nostalgia that permeates the poem.

In conclusion, "Twilight on Tweed" by Andrew Lang is a poem rich in both personal emotion and broader cultural resonance. Through the exploration of themes like nostalgia, memory, and longing, and the use of vivid imagery and emotive language, Lang creates a poignant reflection on the passage of time, and the enduring beauty and melancholy of the Scottish landscape.

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