A Revival of the Romantic Era as seen through a Comparative Study of Auld Lang Syne and Sumer Is Icumen In

Nadia De Souza

doi:10.24113/ijellh.v8i9.10776

Abstract

The Romantic Movement of 19th century Britain is often credited to William Wordsworth, while his predecessor, Robert Burns is regarded as the pioneer of the movement with his poetic themes of simplicity, friendship, and reverence for nature and rustic life, to name a few. Yet, on looking back at the medieval ages, one comes across the anonymous poem Sumer Is Icumen In that is centred around similar themes and ideas. This, thus, calls for a more nuanced analysis and understanding of the romantic ideologies that then do not appear to be new to the 19th century, but simply recurrent of what already existed. Therefore, through a comparative study of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne and the medieval poem Sumer Is Icumen In, this paper will seek to place Burns either as the pioneer of the romantic movement or as a reviver of a medieval tradition. I will explore the themes, features, and form that persist in these poems.

Highlights

Enlightenment flourishing around the same time, reason and sophistication were at the centre of focus while imagination was pushed into the background; solitary and rural life were frowned upon and seen as inferior in the face of urban culture
While Wordsworth is credited with having been responsible for launching the Romantic movement in the 19th century, initial romantic ideologies are often traced back to Robert Burns at the end of the 18th century
While Burns is regarded as the “pioneer of the Romantic movement” (Biography.com Editors), one cannot help but notice a similarity in the themes and ideas of Burns’ poems and Sumer Is Icumen In of the medieval era, written in middle English

Summary

Introduction

Enlightenment flourishing around the same time, reason and sophistication were at the centre of focus while imagination was pushed into the background; solitary and rural life were frowned upon and seen as inferior in the face of urban culture. His poems reflect images of simple and rustic life, nationality, and sentimentality – themes central to the Romantic ideology. While Burns is regarded as the “pioneer of the Romantic movement” (Biography.com Editors), one cannot help but notice a similarity in the themes and ideas of Burns’ poems and Sumer Is Icumen In of the medieval era, written in middle English.

Results

Conclusion