Answer - Classic Text | Alexandria
Answer and Sir Walter Scott: Literary Legacy Entwined
"Answer," a seminal poem published in 1828 by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), represents a fascinating intersection of Romantic poetry and Scottish cultural identity. The work emerges from Scott's later period, when he had already established himself as one of Britain's most influential literary figures through works like "Waverley" and "Ivanhoe."
First appearing in Scott's personal journal before its formal publication, "Answer" reflects the author's response to a period of personal and financial turmoil following the banking crisis of 1825-26. The poem's earliest manuscript, preserved in the National Library of Scotland, reveals multiple revisions that hint at Scott's meticulous crafting of its deceptively simple verses. Contemporary correspondence between Scott and his publisher Robert Cadell suggests that the work was initially intended as part of a larger collection that never materialized.
The poem's evolution mirrors Scott's own transformation from poet to novelist and back again, embodying the cultural tensions of early 19th-century Scotland. Its verses weave together themes of honor, duty, and resilience—hallmarks of Scott's literary philosophy—while incorporating elements of Scottish folklore and historical reference that would become his trademark. The work gained renewed attention during the Scottish Literary Renaissance of the 1920s, with Hugh MacDiarmid citing it as an example of Scott's underappreciated poetic sophistication.
Today, "Answer" continues to intrigue scholars and readers alike, particularly for its subtle commentary on personal integrity in the face of adversity—a theme that resonates strongly with modern audiences. The poem's placement within Scott's canon raises fascinating questions about artistic response to personal crisis and the role of literature in cultural identity formation. Its enduring relevance speaks to Scott's genius in crafting works that transcend their immediate historical context to address universal human experiences. The relationship between "Answer" and Scott's broader literary output remains a rich field for contemporary research, inviting us to reconsider the interconnections between personal struggle, artistic expression, and national identity in the Romantic era.