Poetry

Sorley MacLean

Early Life and Influences

Sorley MacLean, born on October 26, 1911, on the Isle of Raasay, was deeply influenced by his Gaelic heritage from a young age. Raised in a family known for its knowledge and practice of Gaelic song and music, his early exposure to Gaelic culture and literature laid the foundation for his future work as a poet.

In 1929, MacLean left his home to attend the University of Edinburgh, where he initially studied English. However, his academic path led him to regret not studying Celtic, as he was primarily interested in poetry. Despite the limitations of his chosen field, his university experience exposed him to modernist literature and introduced him to influential figures in the Scottish literary scene, including Hugh MacDiarmid.

Teaching and the Spanish Civil War

After graduating in 1933 with a First-Class degree in English Language and Literature, MacLean began his teaching career in various locations, including Portree, Tobermory, and Edinburgh. During this time, he also explored left-wing politics and developed friendships with prominent Scottish Renaissance poets.

While in Edinburgh, MacLean observed urban poverty and the impact of the Great Depression, which influenced his social and political outlook. He considered volunteering to fight in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War but was unable to do so due to family responsibilities and his mother's illness.

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Poetry

War and Writing

MacLean's experiences in North Africa during World War II significantly shaped his poetry. He served in the Royal Corps of Signals and was wounded at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942, leading to his discharge the following year. During the war, his writings, particularly the epic poem "An Cuilthionn," were influenced by the seismic political events in Europe, including the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Fascism.

Notable Works and Innovation

MacLean's reputation as a poet primarily rests on two extended texts: "Dàin do Eimhir" and "An Cuilthionn." These works are known for their complexity and their fusion of traditional Gaelic elements with mainstream European themes, making his poetry unique and transcending linguistic boundaries.

In "Dàin do Eimhir," MacLean explores the age-old conflict between love and war, with a particular focus on his love for Eimhir and his commitment to the republican cause in the Spanish Civil War. This poem, among others, represents MacLean's efforts to combine seemingly contradictory ideas.

Recognition and Legacy

Sorley MacLean's influence on English-speaking readers grew after the 1970s when his works were published in English translation. His poem "Hallaig," which vividly portrays the depopulation of a village during the Highland Clearances, achieved cult status and is often associated with all Scottish Gaelic poetry.

MacLean's contributions to Scottish Gaelic literature, his mastery of the Gaelic language, and his engagement with European politics and the broader poetic tradition established him as one of the major Scottish poets of the modern era. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of Gaelic poets and scholars.

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Poetry

Later Life and Honours

MacLean's later life included his role as the Headmaster of Plockton Secondary School, where he advocated for the use of the Gaelic language in formal education. He was also involved in promoting Gaelic education and was an advisor to the Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, on Skye.

In 1996, Sorley MacLean passed away, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated and cherished in the world of Gaelic poetry. His contributions to the preservation and revitalization of the Gaelic language and culture remain significant.