Edward, Edward
Anonymous
‘Why does your sword so drip with blood,
Edward, Edward?
Why does your sword so drip with blood?
And why so sad are ye, O?’‘O, I have killed my hawk so good,
Mother, mother:
O, I have killed my hawk so good:
And I had no more but he, O.’‘Your hawk’s blood was never so red,
Edward, Edward:
Your hawk’s blood was never so red,
My dear son I tell thee, O.’‘O, I have killed my red‑roan steed,
Mother, mother:
O, I have killed my red‑roan steed,
That once was so fair and free, O.’‘Your steed was old, and we have got more,
Edward, Edward:
Your steed was old, and we have got more,
Some other evil ye fear, O.’‘O, I have killed my father dear,
Mother, mother:
O, I have killed my father dear,
Alas! and woe is me, O!’‘And what penance will ye suffer for that,
Edward, Edward?
And what penance will ye suffer for that?
My dear son, now tell me, O.’‘I’ll set my feet in yonder boat,
Mother, mother:
I’ll set my feet in yonder boat,
And I’ll fare over the sea, O.’‘And what will ye do with your towers and your halls,
Edward, Edward?
And what will ye do with your towers and your halls,
That were sae fair to see, O?’‘I’ll let them stand till they come down and fall,
Mother, mother:
I’ll let them stand till they come down and fall,
For here never more may I be, O.’‘And what will ye leave to your children and your wife,
Edward, Edward?
And what will ye leave to your children and your wife,
When ye go over the sea, O?’‘The world is large, let them beg through life,
Mother, mother:
The world is large, let them beg through life,
For them never more will I see, O.’‘And what will ye leave to your own mother dear,
Edward, Edward?
And what will ye leave to your own mother dear?
My dear son, now tell me, O.’‘The curse of hell from me shall you bear,
Mother, mother:
The curse of hell from me shall you bear,
Such counsels you gave to me, O.’
Summary of Edward, Edward
“Edward, Edward” is a haunting Scottish ballad that first appeared in its present form in 1765 in Thomas Percy’s Reliques of Ancient Poetry. Reported to have been collected from a woman singing it in Scotland, the poem presents a chilling dialogue between a son, Edward, and his mother. He repeatedly confesses to increasingly grave acts—first killing his hawk, then his horse, and finally his father. Each confession is met with a maternal inquiry, and the sense of dread grows with every exchange. The ballad ends with Edward’s intention to flee across the sea, abandoning his family and estate, and his final, damning curse upon his mother—an echo of the guidance she unknowingly gave.
At its heart, “Edward, Edward” explores the devastating consequences of violence, the complexities of family relationships, and the bleakness of a fate sealed by both action and inherited influence. The poem’s power lies in its simplicity, its repetitive structure, and the unsettling progression of Edward’s confessions.
Central Idea & Noteworthy Points
The central idea of “Edward, Edward” revolves around the unraveling of a son’s soul and the breakdown of familial bonds. It is more than a story of patricide; it is an exploration of guilt, consequence, and the cycle of violence. Edward’s actions, while horrific, are presented as part of a pattern hinted at by his mother’s unwitting contribution to his descent.
A noteworthy point is the ballad’s structure. The question‑and‑answer format, driven by the refrain “Edward, Edward,” creates a sense of inevitability. Each confession escalates the tension, drawing the reader deeper into the tragic narrative. The ballad form itself, traditionally used for storytelling, lends a timeless quality to the poem, making its themes resonate even today.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Edward, Edward
Repetition & Refrain
The most striking literary device in “Edward, Edward” is the pervasive use of repetition. Lines such as “Why does your sword so drip with blood, Edward, Edward?” and “O, I have killed…Mother, Mother” serve as a refrain. This underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the relentless progression toward tragedy. The repetition creates a hypnotic effect, drawing the reader into the emotional heart of the poem.
Anaphora
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is prevalent. Lines like “And what will ye do with…” and “And what will ye leave…” reinforce the mother’s probing questions and give the ballad a rhythmic quality that mirrors its musicality.
Symbolism
The hawk and the steed symbolize Edward’s diminishing connection to the natural world and his descent into violence. The blood on his sword is a powerful emblem of guilt and the irreversible nature of his actions. His decision to abandon his towers and halls represents the destruction of his heritage and his rejection of societal responsibility. The sea itself can be seen as a symbol of escape, but also of isolation and the unknown.
Imagery
The poem uses vivid imagery to create a haunting atmosphere. Lines such as “Your towers and your halls, that were sae fair to see, O?” evoke a sense of lost grandeur and the fragility of earthly possessions. The image of Edward’s blood‑soaked sword is stark and disturbing, engaging the reader’s senses and making the tragedy more palpable.
Alliteration & Assonance
Subtle alliteration and assonance contribute to the poem’s musicality. The repetition of the “s” sound in “sword so” and the “e” sound in “the world is large” create a pleasing sonic effect that enhances the rhythm and flow of the verses.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Edward, Edward
Ballad Form
“Edward, Edward” is a classic ballad. Ballads traditionally tell a story, often focusing on dramatic events or tragic occurrences. They typically feature a simple rhyme scheme and meter, and are meant to be sung. The ballad form contributes to the poem’s accessibility and its enduring appeal.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem predominantly follows an ABCB rhyme scheme, with occasional variations. This predictable pattern enhances musicality and helps propel the narrative forward, reinforcing the poem’s rhythmic quality.
Meter
The meter is largely consistent, though not perfectly regular. Lines combine tetrameter and trimeter, giving a lilting rhythm that mirrors the traditional ballad form.
Dramatic Irony
Throughout the poem, dramatic irony pervades. The mother, unknowingly, encourages the behavior that leads to her son’s downfall. Her questions, while seemingly innocent, indirectly push Edward toward confession and ultimately toward self‑destruction. This creates a sense of foreboding and amplifies the tragedy.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Edward, Edward” are particularly relevant when exploring themes of family responsibility, guilt, and the consequences of choices:
‘And what will ye leave to your own mother dear,
Edward, Edward?
And what will ye leave to your own mother dear?
My dear son, now tell me, O.’
This exchange highlights the mother’s desperate plea for understanding and her unspoken fear of the future. It also underscores the devastating consequences of Edward’s actions and the irreparable damage to their familial bond.
In conclusion, “Edward, Edward” is a powerful and haunting ballad that explores the dark side of human nature and the enduring complexities of family relationships. Its simple language, repetitive structure, and evocative imagery combine to create a timeless tragedy that continues to resonate with readers today.