Navigating the Middle Road: Sir Walter Scott’s Representation of the Scottish Identity in Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field and The Lady of the Lake

Abstract

Regarded as the father of the historical novel and recognised for his ground-breaking influence on the genre, Sir Walter Scott played a pivotal role in reinstating Scottish identity amid Britain’s dominance in nineteenth-century Europe. In response to Napoleon’s threat, Scott adopted a middle-of-the-road policy, steering clear of enmity with England and seeking to preserve Scotland’s cultural heritage within the unified Great Britain. In this context, this thesis explores the intricate relationship between Scott’s dedication to Scottish identity and his loyalty to broader Britishness through an analysis of his poems Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field (1808) and The Lady of the Lake (1810). In Marmion, Scott emphasises Scotland’s unity with England, foregrounding British identity. Despite reflecting Scotland’s cultural values, Scott’s primary objective is to strategically integrate the idea that both countries should coexist within a common British identity. Marmion’s narrative unfolds through the incorporation of supernatural and gothic elements, typical in romantic literature, centred around the character of Marmion. Conversely, The Lady of the Lake shifts focus directly to Scotland, revealing Scott’s profound respect for Scottish traditions. He manifests this reverence through the narrative’s exploration of relationships between the Scottish kingdom, the Highlands and the Lowlands. The idea of the necessity for peaceful coexistence between England and Scotland in Marmion transforms into the idea of the Scottish monarchy and clans living harmoniously in this poem. Besides recounting Scotland’s history and showcasing its natural beauty, the narrative centres on the traditions of Scottish clans. In essence, this thesis uncovers the dual narrative embedded in Scott’s poems under analysis. In Marmion, Scott champions British unity, whereas, in The Lady of the Lake, he assumes the role of a Scottish nationalist. The thesis meticulously explores Scott’s nuanced approach to national identity in these works and investigates the underlying reasons for this intricacy.