Poetry

View of Scotland/Love Poem

Summary of the poem:

In "View of Scotland/Love Poem" by Liz Lochhead, the poet revisits her own memories of New Year's Eves, exploring the relationship between the past and the present. The poem combines her recollections of Hogmanay traditions from her childhood with her experiences as an adult, including the moment she met her future husband. It presents a universal reflection on experiences and traditions associated with the New Year in Scotland.

The inspiration for the poem:

The inspiration for the poem comes from the poet's own memories of Hogmanay traditions and her personal experiences during New Year's celebrations. It combines her recollections of her mother's preparations for Hogmanay with her meeting with her future husband, highlighting the significance of this time of year in her life.

The form of the poem:

The poem is structured with four uneven stanzas. The first and second stanzas contain eleven lines, the third has ten, and the fourth has eighteen lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern but exhibits elements of half-rhyme, creating a sense of unity. Half-rhyme is seen through repetition of assonance or consonance.

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Poetry

Explanation of each stanza

Stanza 1:

In the first stanza of "View of Scotland/Love Poem," the poet, who is Liz Lochhead herself, vividly describes her mother's preparations for Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year's Eve celebration. The stanza presents a visual image of her mother diligently cleaning the house at 10 o'clock at night on Hogmanay, a time when superstition dictates that a clean home is essential for a prosperous new year. The stanza introduces the idea of tradition and the specific foods associated with Hogmanay, like sockeye salmon and black bun. Lochhead's use of vivid details and precise imagery establishes the setting and emphasizes the significance of tradition in the poem.

Stanza 2:

The second stanza continues the poet's recollection of her childhood memory. Her mother, having finished cleaning, turns her attention to preparing herself for the evening. The stanza paints a picture of her mother with hair rollers and waveset in her hair, getting ready for the New Year. The phrase "Nearly half-ten already and her not shifted!" highlights the sense of urgency as midnight approaches, symbolizing the relentless passage of time. The stanza also alludes to the superstitions associated with Hogmanay, emphasizing the need to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for good luck. The "view of Scotland" title inspiration is linked to the superstition of not replacing the calendar until after midnight, offering a new view of the year.

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Poetry

Stanza 3:

The third stanza marks a shift in the poem, as Lochhead reminisces about the evening she met the man who would become her partner, introducing the "Love Poem" aspect of the title. The stanza is intimate and affectionate, as she directly addresses her lover, expressing the passage of thirty years since they first met. The use of italics inserts a voice from the past, vividly recalling the mirror trick superstition associated with Hogmanay. The setting shifts from her mother's kitchen to a party in Glasgow, where their lives intersected. Lochhead's portrayal of the moment when they exchanged wishes and kisses at midnight highlights how this chance encounter changed the course of their lives.

Stanza 4:

The concluding stanza blends the past and present, focusing on another Hogmanay. It describes the city's preparations for the New Year, with people heading to their chosen destinations. The stanza highlights the sense of anticipation and camaraderie as communities come together during Hogmanay celebrations. References to sunburst clocks and other traditional items emphasize the relentless passage of time. The stanza underscores the continuation of old traditions, with people stocking up on food and drink for the celebrations. The simile of pie crusts like quilts on a double bed connects to previous stanzas and alludes to the love scene from the third stanza. The final lines convey a sense of contentment in the present, leaving the reader curious about the future. Lochhead encourages readers to remember the past while enjoying the present, emphasizing the themes of memory and tradition in the poem.

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Poetry

Themes:

Memory:

The poem explores the theme of memory by delving into the poet's recollections of past New Year's celebrations, showcasing the significance of these memories in shaping her character and values.

• Quote: "Down on her hands and knees/at ten at night on Hogmanay."
• Point of development: The vivid imagery captures the poet's mother's act of cleaning on New Year's Eve, emphasizing the role of tradition and superstition in memory.

Superstition and Tradition:

The poem delves into the superstitions and traditions associated with Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations. It highlights the customs, foods, and practices that are part of the celebration and explores how they connect the past and present.

• Quote: "for to even hope to prosper/this midnight must find us/how we would like it to be."
• Point of development: This quote underscores the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere and following superstitions for good luck during New Year's celebrations.

Imagery:

Image of Prosperity:

The poem creates an image of prosperity through the description of traditional foods like sockeye salmon and black bun. These items represent the hope for a prosperous future and are connected to the New Year's traditions.

• Quote: "newly opened tin of sockeye salmon" and "slab of black bun."
• Point of development: The foods symbolize prosperity and good fortune in the coming year, illustrating the cultural significance of these items during Hogmanay.

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Poetry

Image of the Passing of Time:

The poem evokes the image of time passing, symbolized by the clock and the changing years. The reference to the mirror trick and the passing of thirty years since the poet met her husband emphasizes the relentless passage of time.

• Quote: "Darling, it's thirty years since/anybody was able to trick me."
• Point of development: The mirror trick and the reference to thirty years highlight how time plays a crucial role in the poem, connecting the past with the present.

Style techniques:

Parenthetical Asides:

The poet uses parenthetical asides to provide additional context or commentary within the poem. These asides offer insights into the poet's perspective and add depth to the narrative.

• Quote: "(This is too ordinary to be nostalgia.)"
• Point of development: The parenthetical aside distinguishes between memory and nostalgia while highlighting the poet's commitment to truth and honesty in her recollections.

Use of Italics:

Italics are employed in the poem to insert different voices from the past directly into the text. This technique enhances the vividness of the memories and emphasizes their significance in the poet's life.

• The use of italics adds a personal and intimate touch to the narrative, making the memories more palpable.

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Poetry

Language techniques:

Dialect and Scots Words:

The poem incorporates Scots dialect words and phrases, contributing to an authentic representation of Scottish culture and traditions.

• Quote: "Hogmanay" and "jiffy waxing the vinolary."
• Point of development: The use of Scots dialect enhances the cultural and regional authenticity of the poem, making it resonate with readers familiar with Scottish traditions.

Enjambment:

Enjambment is used in the poem to create a continuous flow of thought and narrative, leading the reader from one line to the next without a natural pause. This technique maintains the reader's engagement and rhythm.

• Quote: "On the kitchen table. 'Cause no way does mum expect guests" and "The city/off licences pull down their shutters as people make for where they want to be."
• Point of development: Enjambment contributes to the conversational and accessible style of the poem, allowing the narrative to progress seamlessly.

Personal Reflection

1. How does Liz Lochhead's portrayal of memory and tradition in "View of Scotland/Love Poem" make you reflect on the role of past experiences in shaping your own identity and values?

2. What emotions did the poem evoke in you as you read about the passing of time and the moments that defined the poet's life? How do these emotions relate to your own experiences with nostalgia and change?

3. In what ways does the poem's exploration of Hogmanay traditions and superstitions challenge or reinforce your understanding of cultural traditions and their impact on the present? How does it make you view the preservation of cultural heritage in your own life?