His move away from the scepticism and logic of the Enlightenment influence on literature gave way for an individualistic space. Linguistic expression aside, Burns’ writing can also be considered a key component in the pre-Romantic movement. There has been a consistent thread of writers attempting to revive the linguistic features of Burn’s writing, but only in homage. In dialect alone, Burns is celebrated as a final farewell to Scottish literature, before the enclave of English and Anglo-Scot work. This first began with the Union of the Crown in 1603, and by the 18th century, only small pockets of the country maintained the native Scots dialect.

Robert Burns is considered one of the last writers of Scottish literature, writing in the native Scots’ creative tradition.ĭuring his lifetime, English culture and language were already pervasive throughout Scotland. Anticipating his own success, he expected his works to be read throughout the world and across generations. The now internationally revered poet did express a desire to be known as such. Burns’ celebrated and promoted Scottish culture – with a particular interest in cultural class distinctions in socio-political discourse, agricultural living, and individual religious freedom.

He died in Dumfries in 1796, after a life devoted to raising the voice of the common man through literature and music. Robert Burns was a Scots poet, born in Alloway, Scotland in 1759. Tho’ ’twere ten thousand mile! Robert Burns, 1794

A red red rose song