A piece of romantic historical fiction written by Sir Walter Scott; Marmion was published in 1808. Scott, who was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and historian, worked on Marmion for the better part of two years. He had an extensive catalog of literary works that have stood the test of time, remaining classics to this day. Some pieces of note include: Lady of the Lake, Waverly, Old Mortality, Rob Roy, The Bride of Lammermoor and Ivanhoe. Scott finished publishing in London in 1808. A total of 2000 copies were printed. Later that same year a second and third printing were executed at 3000 copies each.
Marmion itself is a poem written in verse (six cantos, each with an introductory epistle) taking place in the 16th century, cementing Scott's role as historical writer. The poem is about Lord Marmion who lusts after Clara de Clare, a woman of wealth. He and his mistress, Constance De Beverly, a nun of ill repute, forge an alliance and concoct a letter fingering Sir Ralph de Wilton (Clare's fiancée) in treason. Constance only aids Marmion in an attempt to once again find herself in his good graces. After a duel between the men, Marmion rises the victor, prompting Clare to refuse his advances, opting to join a convent instead.
Constance is abandoned by Marmion and left to a grim fate of being walled up in the Lindisfame Convent for her treachery. She provides the Abbess with enough information proving De Wilton's innocence. De Wilton returns in disguise in an attempt to thwart Marmion in a plot of revenge. However, those plans are cut short by the Battle of Flodden, where Marmion dies. De Wilton, the hero of the story, honor regained, marries Clare at the end of the poem.
Marmion was a success with the public and remained popular for over a century.
Work Cited:
Wikipedia contributors. "Marmion (poem)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 Oct. 2020. Web. 27 Nov. 2020.
Wikipedia contributors. "Walter Scott." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Nov. 2020. Web. 27 Nov. 2020.