Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Andrew M'Crie" is a playful yet sardonic piece by the Scottish poet Robert Fuller Murray (1863-1893), often known for his light, humorous, and parody-laden verse. The poem, ostensibly about a specter haunting professors, is suggestive of the wider context of academia and its often merciless structures.

The poem's provenance can be traced to Murray's own experiences in academia, which possibly shaped his perspectives and hence, the thematic concerns of this poem. Having attended the University of St. Andrews and spent a part of his life in academic environments, Murray demonstrates a familiarity with these settings and employs the character of Andrew M'Crie to critique it subtly.

The primary theme in "Andrew M'Crie" is a critique of academia's rigidity and the somewhat haunted existence of those within it. The poem suggests that the expectations and pressures within academia can be overwhelming, leading to a metaphorical haunting, represented by the recurring specter of Andrew M'Crie.

The poem also delves into the themes of jealousy and rivalry within academia. The lines "Professors, not half so well up in their work / Went envying him and me-" hint at the jealousy and competition that can often be found in such settings.

In terms of poetic devices, the poem is rich in repetition, irony, and humor. The repeated lines "For at night, as they dream, they frequently scream, 'Have mercy, Mr. M'Crie!'" create an ominous and haunting mood, building the image of the specter of Andrew M'Crie as a relentless force. The phrase is repeated as a refrain, which reinforces this haunting effect and serves to embed the ghostly presence of M'Crie into the reader's mind.

The poem also exhibits strong ironic undertones. Murray creates an image of the distinguished professors as fearful and haunted figures, turning the usual power dynamics of academia on their head. This satirical take on academic life provides the poem with its biting humor.

The structure of the poem also mirrors its content. The stanzas are irregular, possibly reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of academic life. The rhyme scheme follows a simple ABAB pattern, giving the poem a sing-song quality that contrasts with its rather serious subject matter, adding another layer of irony.

Additionally, the poem employs parody, an element often found in Murray's poetry. The poem's opening line "It was many and many a year ago, In a city by the sea" is reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee," hinting that Murray is playfully parodying the form and themes of that poem.

In conclusion, "Andrew M'Crie" by Robert Fuller Murray is a poem rich in thematic depth and stylistic nuance. It presents a critique of academia's stringent structures, embodied in the haunting figure of Andrew M'Crie. Through the use of repetition, irony, humor, and parody, Murray crafts a poem that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

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