Sir Walter Scott

The Pocket University selection for January 3rd is the poem Lochinvar by Sir Walter Scott. This is an excerpt from the longer epic poem Marmion.

In this poem, Lochinvar, a young knight, shows up uninvited to the wedding of Ellen, whom he has been courting but whose father has declined Lochinvar's suit for marriage.

When he shows up, there's a little verbal tussling between Lochinvar and Dad, where Dad tries to ascertain Lochinvar's intentions, but Lochinvar says he's only there for a drink and a dance. The Romantics in the room, which include Ellen, think Lochinvar is a better match for Ellen, whose groom is too cowardly to stand up to Lochinvar.  In the end, Ellen is somewhat snatched away, though she seems willing enough, and in the ensuing chase Ellen and Lochinvar disappear.

I'm not much for poetry really.  I can see this is good poetry, but it is not a literature form I am familiar or comfortable with.

I see Ellen as marrying the man her parents have chosen for her, perhaps a matter of familial responsibility or filial duty.  Certainly, she must see Lochinvar as more exciting or interesting than the ineffectual, passive man she is there to wed.  Of course, much of this is probably explained in the full Marmion poem.

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