Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Relief of Lucknow (September 25, 1857)" by Robert Traill Spence Lowell recounts the historical event during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when British forces relieved the besieged Residency in Lucknow. The poem captures the tense atmosphere, the despair of the defenders, and the sudden burst of hope upon hearing the approach of the Highlanders. The narrative is imbued with a strong emotional charge, portraying the experiences and sentiments of those trapped within the fort.

The poem opens with a sense of foreboding and finality: "O, THAT last day in Lucknow fort! / We knew that it was the last; / That the enemy's lines crept surely on, / And the end was coming fast." The defenders are acutely aware that their situation is dire, with the enemy steadily advancing. The choice of words like "smoke and roar" and "hopeless waiting for death" paints a grim picture of the siege's relentless pressure.

Amidst this turmoil, the poem introduces a personal story, that of a corporal's wife, described as "a fair, young, gentle thing, / Wasted with fever in the siege." Her physical and mental exhaustion symbolize the broader suffering endured by the besieged. The mention of her Scottish plaid and her delirious longing for home create a poignant contrast to the harsh realities of the siege, evoking a sense of innocence and vulnerability amidst chaos.

The narrative shifts with the introduction of Jessie Brown, who becomes a pivotal figure in the poem. Her sudden elation and exclamation, "The Hielanders! O, dinna ye hear / The slogan far awa," bring a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered defenders. The "slogan," or battle cry, of the Highlanders is a potent symbol of rescue and salvation, breaking through the despair with a promise of relief. The emotional impact is profound, as Jessie falls to her knees in gratitude, and her cry spreads among the men, momentarily reviving their spirits.

The poem emphasizes the skepticism and then the growing hope among the defenders as they listen for the approaching troops. Despite the initial inability to hear the pipes clearly, Jessie's conviction that "Our succors hae broken through!" instills a cautious optimism. The eventual realization that the sound they hear is indeed "the pipes of the Highlanders" playing "Auld Lang Syne" serves as a powerful emotional climax. The familiar tune, often associated with nostalgia and farewells, now heralds a reunion and deliverance.

The reaction among the defenders is a mix of joy and relief. The men "wept, and shook one another's hands, / And the women sobbed in a crowd," expressing a collective outpouring of gratitude and relief. The communal act of giving thanks to God, with everyone kneeling where they stood, underscores the depth of their emotional release.

The poem concludes with a triumphant scene, as the relieved garrison welcomes their rescuers. Jessie is honored, placed first among the welcomed, highlighting her role as the harbinger of hope. The general's gesture of giving her his hand, and the soldiers' enthusiastic cheers, celebrate her moment of recognition and the shared joy of survival. The image of the "pipers' ribbons and tartan streamed" and the playing of "Auld Lang Syne" as they march "round and round our line" encapsulates the culmination of their ordeal and the return to normalcy.

"The Relief of Lucknow" poignantly captures the emotional journey from despair to jubilation experienced by the besieged British forces. Lowell's poem emphasizes themes of hope, resilience, and the deep bonds formed in the face of shared adversity. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, the poem commemorates a moment of historical significance, honoring both the courage of the defenders and the emotional impact of their relief.

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