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Literary
June 8, 1904
The Daily Telegram
Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
A 1786 Edinburgh Magazine review praises Robert Burns as a plowman whose native genius shines through poverty, noting his acute observations, lively descriptions, rustic humor, and delicate softer scenes, though lacking in classical simplicity and imagination compared to predecessors.
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THE POET BURNS.
A Criticism Which Appeared In the
Edinburgh Magazine In 1786
The following brief criticism on the poems of Burns appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine, October, 1786, shortly after the second edition of his works came out: The author is indeed a striking example of native genius bursting through the obscurities of poverty and the obstructions of laborious life. He is said to be a common plowman, and when we consider him in this light we cannot help regretting that wayward fate had not placed him in a more favored situation Those who view with the severity lettered criticism and judge by the fastidious rules of art will discover that he has not the Doric simplicity of Ramsey nor the brilliant imagination of Ferguson, but to those who admire the exertions of untutored fancy and are blind to many faults for the sake of numberless beauties his poems will afford singular gratification. His observations on human characters are acute and sagacious, and his descriptions are lively and just. Of rustic pleasantry he has a rich fund, and some of his softer scenes are touched with inimitable delicacy. He seems to be a boon companion -and often startles us with sentiments which will keep some readers at a distance. Some of his subjects are serious, but those of the humorous kind are the best.
A Criticism Which Appeared In the
Edinburgh Magazine In 1786
The following brief criticism on the poems of Burns appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine, October, 1786, shortly after the second edition of his works came out: The author is indeed a striking example of native genius bursting through the obscurities of poverty and the obstructions of laborious life. He is said to be a common plowman, and when we consider him in this light we cannot help regretting that wayward fate had not placed him in a more favored situation Those who view with the severity lettered criticism and judge by the fastidious rules of art will discover that he has not the Doric simplicity of Ramsey nor the brilliant imagination of Ferguson, but to those who admire the exertions of untutored fancy and are blind to many faults for the sake of numberless beauties his poems will afford singular gratification. His observations on human characters are acute and sagacious, and his descriptions are lively and just. Of rustic pleasantry he has a rich fund, and some of his softer scenes are touched with inimitable delicacy. He seems to be a boon companion -and often startles us with sentiments which will keep some readers at a distance. Some of his subjects are serious, but those of the humorous kind are the best.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Agriculture Rural
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Robert Burns
Poetry Criticism
Native Genius
Rustic Pleasantry
Edinburgh Magazine
Literary Details
Title
The Poet Burns.
Subject
Criticism On The Poems Of Burns
Form / Style
Prose Review
Key Lines
The Author Is Indeed A Striking Example Of Native Genius Bursting Through The Obscurities Of Poverty And The Obstructions Of Laborious Life.
He Is Said To Be A Common Plowman, And When We Consider Him In This Light We Cannot Help Regretting That Wayward Fate Had Not Placed Him In A More Favored Situation.
His Observations On Human Characters Are Acute And Sagacious, And His Descriptions Are Lively And Just.
Of Rustic Pleasantry He Has A Rich Fund, And Some Of His Softer Scenes Are Touched With Inimitable Delicacy.