'Answer' by Sir Walter Scott

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Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife!
To all the sensual world proclaim,
One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Answer" by Sir Walter Scott: A Depth of Emotion

When one thinks of Sir Walter Scott, they may first think of his epic novels and tales of adventure. However, Scott was also a master of poetry, and his work "Answer" showcases his ability to convey a depth of emotion through verse.

At its core, "Answer" is a love poem, but it is not a typical romantic ode. Instead, the poem explores the pain and confusion that can come with unrequited love. The speaker of the poem is reaching out to a lover who has rejected them, begging for some kind of explanation or closure.

The poem begins with a sense of desperation, with the speaker urging their lover to respond to their plea:

Oh! snatched away in beauty's bloom,
On thee shall press no ponderous tomb;
But on thy turf shall roses rear
Their leaves, the earliest of the year;
And the wild cypress wave in tender gloom:

And oft by yon blue gushing stream
Shall Sorrow lean her drooping head,
And feed deep thought with many a dream,
And lingering pause and lightly tread;
Fond wretch! as if her step disturbed the dead!

The opening lines of the poem establish a sense of loss and mourning, as the speaker imagines the future without their beloved. The use of natural imagery, such as the roses and cypress, adds to the melancholic tone.

The second stanza is even more plaintive, with the speaker asking their lover to at least acknowledge their feelings:

Away! we know that tears are vain,
That death nor heeds nor hears distress:
Will this unteach us to complain?
Or make one mourner weep the less?
And thou, who tell'st me to forget,
Thy looks are wan, thine eyes are wet.

Here, Scott captures the frustration and desperation that come with unrequited love. The speaker knows that their tears are useless, but they still can't help but feel the pain of rejection. The final two lines of the stanza are particularly powerful, with the speaker pointing out that their lover is also affected by the situation, even if they won't admit it.

In the third stanza, the speaker begins to question their own feelings:

Alas! reply not to my prayer,
But let me think, that thou art there,
Or, if thou wander'st in the air,
Descend in thy most amiable shape;
And round my pillow let thy airy form
Play wanton, answering all my love and care
With softest pressure, gentlest touch!

Here, the speaker seems to be losing touch with reality, imagining their lover as a ghost or spirit. The use of the word "alas" adds to the overall sense of despair. It's clear that the speaker is struggling to come to terms with their rejection and is grasping at any possible way to hold onto their feelings.

The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant, with the speaker expressing a desire to forget their love entirely:

And thou art dead, as young and fair
As aught of mortal birth;
And form so soft, and charms so rare,
Too soon returned to Earth!
Though Earth received them in her bed,
And o'er the spot the crowd may tread
In carelessness or mirth,
There is an eye which could not brook
A moment on that grave to look.

Here, Scott captures the pain of loving someone who is no longer alive. The use of the word "dead" is particularly striking, as it highlights the finality of the situation. The final lines of the stanza, with the speaker acknowledging that they cannot bear to look at the grave of their beloved, are heart-wrenching.

The final stanza of the poem is a bit more hopeful, with the speaker expressing a desire to move on:

I will not ask where thou liest low,
Nor gaze upon the spot;
There flowers or weeds at will may grow,
So I behold them not:
It is enough for me to prove
That what I loved, and long must love,
Like common earth can rot;
To me there needs no stone to tell,
'Tis Nothing that I loved so well.

Here, the speaker seems to have come to a sort of acceptance. They no longer need to know where their beloved is buried, and they are able to acknowledge that their love was not as important as they thought it was. The final line of the poem, with the speaker declaring that what they loved was "Nothing," is a powerful statement on the nature of love and the human experience.

Overall, "Answer" is a deeply emotional poem that captures the pain of unrequited love. Through his use of natural imagery, powerful language, and striking metaphors, Scott creates a sense of loss and mourning that is both universal and specific. The poem is a reminder that even in the face of rejection and heartache, there is still beauty to be found in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has the power to move people in ways that other forms of expression cannot. Sir Walter Scott's "Poetry Answer" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to convey a powerful message. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in this poem to understand its significance.

The poem begins with the speaker asking a question: "What is poetry?" This question is one that has been asked by many people throughout history, and it is one that continues to be asked today. The speaker then goes on to answer the question by saying that poetry is "the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge." This statement is significant because it suggests that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to express emotions, but it is also a way to gain knowledge and understanding.

The poem then goes on to describe the different forms that poetry can take, such as "the voice of love," "the language of the soul," and "the music of the heart." These descriptions suggest that poetry can be used to express a wide range of emotions and experiences, from love and passion to grief and sorrow. The speaker also suggests that poetry can be used to convey important messages and ideas, such as "the wisdom of the wise" and "the faith of the pure."

The structure of the poem is also significant. It is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter used in poetry. This meter gives the poem a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read and remember. The poem is also divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which reinforces the idea that poetry is a form of order and harmony.

The language used in the poem is also significant. The speaker uses a variety of metaphors and images to describe poetry, such as "the light of life," "the star that guides the wanderer," and "the rainbow of the mind." These metaphors and images help to convey the idea that poetry is a powerful and transformative force that can illuminate the world and guide us on our journey through life.

Overall, Sir Walter Scott's "Poetry Answer" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and significance of poetry. It reminds us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to express emotions, but it is also a way to gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The poem's structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and memorable message that will resonate with readers for generations to come.

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