Tam O'Shanter: "The Gallop"

Tam O’Shanter: “The Gallop”

“Tam O’Shanter: The Gallop” - Theme; Fear and Courage

Understanding the Theme:

• “Tam O’Shanter: The Gallop” is a fascinating tale of fear, courage and supernatural elements written by Robert Burns.
• The poem’s protagonist, Tam O’Shanter, experiences a series of terrifying events that test his courage and inflict fear.

Fear in the Face of the Supernatural

• The narrative of the poem is loaded with horrifying imagery of witches and warlocks dancing in a churchyard, which instils a sense of fear in both Tam and the reader.
• Tam’s extreme fear at the sight of the supernatural activities in Alloway Church is a central aspect of the poem.

Courage Amidst Fear

• Despite his fear, Tam gathers the courage to flee from the witches chasing him, demonstrating an interesting interplay between fear and courage.
• Tam’s courage can also be seen as a form of reckless bravado, as he attracts the attention of the witches by making disrespectful comments.

Fear as a Cautionary Element

• The fear instilled in Tam serves as a cautionary element, warning against the consequences of flirting with forbidden elements.
• Burns uses Tam’s fear to convey the message of respect for the otherworldly and acceptance of one’s limits.

Treatment of the Theme: Humour and Horror

• Burns uses a blend of humour and horror to treat the themes of fear and courage.
• Despite the horrifying visions and intense fear, Tam’s inebriation and audacity add a humorous edge to the narrative.

Concluding Thoughts

• The theme of fear and courage in “Tam O’Shanter: The Gallop” sheds light on the poem’s central conflict.
• The supernatural encounters, Tam’s fear and courage contribute to the charm and uniqueness of this poem, thereby emphasising Burns’ prowess as a poet.