Mr. William Smellie-A Sketch by Robert Burns
Shrewd Willie Smellie arrives at Crochallan in his familiar old cocked hat and grey surtout, his beard several days unshaven and his grizzled hair wild and uncombed. Beneath this rough, striking appearance lies a mind of uncommon depth and clarity. Though his caustic wit can be sharply rude, he is also warm-hearted, benevolent, and good.
By Robert Burns · First published 1793 · Genre: Character Sketch, Occasional Poetry, Satirical Poetry · 101 words
First lines
Shrewd Willie Smellie to Crochallan came; / The old cock'd hat, the grey surtout the same; / His bristling beard just rising in its might, / 'Twas four long nights and days to shaving night: / His uncomb'd grizzly locks, wild staring, thatch'd / A head for thought profound and clear, unmatch'd; / Yet tho' his caustic wit was biting-rude, / His heart was warm, benevolent, and good.
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Genres
- Character Sketch — The poem is a compact, vivid portrait of William Smellie, concentrating on his appearance, habits, intellect, wit, and moral character rather than narrating a developed plot.
- Occasional Poetry — It was written for a specific social and personal context, portraying a recognizable contemporary figure associated with the Crochallan Fencibles.
- Satirical Poetry — Burns humorously exaggerates Smellie's unshaven beard, uncombed hair, and severe appearance, while tempering the mockery with genuine admiration.
- Comic Verse — The lively rhyming couplets and amusing visual details create a playful comic effect, especially in the description of Smellie's grooming and dress.
Tags
Scottish poetry · eighteenth-century Scotland · Crochallan · character sketch · portrait poem · comic verse · satirical characterization · William Smellie · eccentric appearance · unkempt beard · wild grizzled hair · old cocked hat
What this Textopian page supports
Mr. William Smellie-A Sketch is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1793 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: 1793 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Character Sketch, Occasional Poetry, Satirical Poetry, Comic Verse, Biographical Poetry
- Length: 101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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