Epitaph on William Nicol
By Robert Burns
Ye maggots, feast on Nicol’s brain,
For few sic feasts ye’ve gotten;
And fix your claws in Nicol’s heart,
For deil a bit o’t’s rotten.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns' Epitaph on William Nicol is a darkly humorous, yet sharply critical, poem that provides insight into both the character of the person being memorialized, William Nicol, and the broader social and literary context of Burns' time. Unlike traditional epitaphs, which often offer solemn reflections on the deceased's life, virtues, and achievements, Burns’ approach in this poem is satirical and filled with biting humor, reflecting the poet's ability to blend wit with commentary on social norms. The poem’s brief structure, paired with its pointed tone, invites readers to question both the nature of the subject's life and the societal conventions surrounding death.
Context and Setting
Before delving into the poem's analysis, it's essential to understand the context of the subject. William Nicol was a prominent teacher at the University of Edinburgh, where he was known for his sharp wit and intelligence. Burns, a man deeply connected to the intellectual circles of his time, had a personal relationship with Nicol, though their interactions were often marked by a certain tension. Nicol was respected for his teaching and learning but had a reputation for arrogance and a lack of humility. Burns, known for his irreverence and keen sense of humor, takes advantage of this perceived hypocrisy in his portrayal of Nicol’s death.
Structure and Tone
The poem is short, consisting of just two lines, typical of an epitaph. The structure is simple, with a steady rhythm and rhyme scheme. Burns uses this structure to draw attention to the sharpness of his commentary. In contrast to the grand, moralizing language often found in traditional epitaphs, Burns delivers his message directly and without pretense. The tone of the poem is one of dark humor, laced with sarcasm. Rather than portraying Nicol’s death as a solemn event, Burns turns it into an opportunity for a witty jab at both Nicol and the cultural attitudes surrounding death.
Imagery and Symbolism
The primary imagery in Epitaph on William Nicol centers on the idea of maggots feeding on Nicol’s body. The use of "maggots" here is particularly significant, as it contrasts sharply with the typical, respectful language used in most epitaphs. Instead of invoking peaceful imagery of rest or eternal peace, Burns chooses the more macabre and grotesque symbol of maggots feeding on the deceased's flesh. This imagery serves as both a literal and metaphorical commentary on Nicol's character.
The maggots symbolize decay and corruption, suggesting that Nicol, though once a respected figure, is now subject to the indignities of death. The line “Ye maggots, feast on Nicol’s brain” serves as a direct and almost irreverent dismissal of Nicol’s intellectual prowess, implying that the maggots, rather than any noble legacy, are the true beneficiaries of Nicol’s mind. Burns emphasizes that Nicol’s brain, while once highly regarded, is now reduced to a feeding ground for insects.
The line "And fix your claws in Nicol’s heart, / For deil a bit o’t’s rotten" further enhances the idea of corruption. The use of the word "rotten" is key—while Nicol's physical body is subject to decomposition, Burns is also hinting at the moral or spiritual decay he perceives in the man. The phrase "deil a bit o’t’s rotten" carries a double meaning: not only is Nicol’s heart devoid of moral integrity (as implied by his metaphorical “rottenness”), but it also suggests that Nicol had little to offer beyond his intellectual abilities, which are now of no consequence in death.
Criticism of Nicol’s Character
While the poem is an epitaph, it is not one of reverence or respect. Burns uses this short verse to comment on Nicol's flaws and, by extension, to critique societal values. Nicol is depicted not as a figure of admiration, but as one whose intellectual abilities were ultimately futile and whose moral compass was questionable. The use of maggots feasting on his brain and heart implies that Nicol’s legacy is not one of greatness, but one of decay and corruption—both physically and morally.
Burns' choice of words is significant. “Maggots” and “claws” evoke images of degradation and decay, contrasting starkly with the typical poetic descriptions of death as peaceful or noble. This serves as a deliberate subversion of the traditional epitaph, which would normally praise the deceased's virtues or highlight their contributions to society. Instead, Burns uses the epitaph to expose Nicol’s intellectual arrogance and the idea that, in the end, death strips away any semblance of respectability or reverence.
Humor and Satire
Though dark, the poem is laced with humor. Burns’ irreverent treatment of Nicol’s death—replacing the solemnity expected in an epitaph with mocking and sardonic imagery—serves to satirize both Nicol and the conventions of funeral poetry. Burns, known for his biting wit, uses this poem as an opportunity to poke fun at Nicol’s intellectual pretensions and inflated self-importance. In doing so, Burns criticizes not only Nicol’s character but also the social norms that elevate individuals based on intellect alone.
This satire is further enhanced by Burns’ choice of the "deil" (devil), a character from Scottish folklore that represents chaos and mischief, suggesting that Nicol’s moral character is tainted, not by true corruption, but by vanity and self-interest. The fact that Nicol’s heart is untouched by rot implies that he was, in some sense, morally unscathed, but the “maggots”—a traditional symbol of death and decay—suggests that his intellectual prowess could not transcend the inevitable collapse of the body and spirit.
Robert Burns’ Epitaph on William Nicol is a satirical and biting commentary on both the subject, Nicol, and the conventions surrounding death. Using vivid and unsettling imagery, Burns dismantles the idea of a respectful epitaph, replacing it with an irreverent depiction of decay and moral corruption. The poem critiques Nicol’s character, suggesting that his intellectual talents were ultimately meaningless in the face of death, and offers a broader commentary on the hypocrisy and superficiality often associated with respect and legacy. Through his humor and sharp wit, Burns crafts an epitaph that not only mocks Nicol, but also challenges societal norms regarding death and intellectual pride.