ROBERT Frazer (Letters, June 11) maintains that Robert Burns "has no place representing modern, progressive Scotland. He is, of course, entitled to his opinion. But it is a harsh judgment on someone who has not only been lauded as a great poet and artist by other great poets and artists, but who also has secured the following of many who do not otherwise have much interest in literary works apart from his. So far as the latter are concerned, their attachment is because they are moved and impressed by the power and sense of his words.
One can, of course, choose to set the behaviour of Burns toward women in the context of today's morality rather that the conditions which prevailed when he lived. The minute books of local church kirk sessions in Ayrshire were full of particulars of those who had perpetrated adultery or fornication. The condemnation of the Kirk and the regular use of the cutty stool did not succeed in eradicating either activity.
Burns must have had some redeeming features since, in spite of everything, his wife, Jean Armour, stood by him. Moreover, he did write an address entitled The Rights of Women. It falls well short of the kind of demands made for women today, but it was at least an attempt, however limited, to state that women had certain rights which deserved to be recognised.
It is unusual for a country to identify someone from their literature as "our poet" in the way which Scotland has done with regard to Robert Burns. I believe that his power to inspire, to inform, and to entertain the Scots, and many others, will continue as it has undoubtedly in the past.
Ian W Thomson, Lenzie.
LET me be one of the first to congratulate Robert Frazer on his appraisal of Robert Burns. He forgot to mention that it is said that at one time Burns thought about taking a job in a West Indian plantation. I doubt it would be cutting cane.
What is the point anyway of having such a thing as a National Poet? If we do have to have such a person why not William Topaz McGonagle, poet and tragedean? He is a man whose background, ability, and wordmanship have been kept in the shade by what I call the Burns Cult.
George Smith, Clydebank.
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