Tradition’s Use of Burns: The Songs and Poems

Abstract

Burns’ own traditional environment provided the inspiration for much of his artistry. At first this had been reflexive; but finally it was reflective. His closeness to his own milieu on a variety of levels made his work appeal: his sensitivity to the world he shared with his audience enabled him to create well-turned phrases, characters, memorable lines, and songs which became a part of the very traditional culture which had initially inspired his work — both poems and songs. He borrowed from tradition but amply repaid that loan by creating works of art which in and through time have replenished that traditional fund.

… wherein is he great, except that his own songs at once found receptive ears amongst the people; they were re-echoed by the binders and reapers in the field, and he was greeted with them by his boon-companions in the alehouse.

Goethe