In the anonymously written poem, "The Douglas Tragedy," honour is displayed as a prominent theme. This ballad tells the story of Lady Margaret and how in the midst of her elopement, her lover, Lord William, fights her father and seven brothers to the death. Lord William prevails, but eventually dies from his wounds; Lady Margaret's own demise soon follows. Family, fighting, marriage and death are all elements in the poem, and each has their own certain relationship with honour. "The Douglas Tragedy" focuses on two main dimensions of honour, public and personal, which in turn encompass further aspects.
             Lord Douglas, Lady Margaret's father, and his seven sons epitomize personal honour through the duration of this poem. They are dutiful to a higher cause, and try to protect their family honour. "The Douglas Tragedy" begins with Lord Douglas being called upon to protect his family's good name, " 'Rise up, rise up, now, Lord Douglas', she says" (1). Along with his sons, he pursues Lord William and Lady Margaret, and tries to stop them from eloping. If the two lovers were to elope, it would bring shame to Margaret's family, and they would be publicly shunned.
             Lord Douglas is first portrayed as an honourable man when Lady Margaret's mother says "And put on your armor so bright" (2). Armor so bright, or shining armour, refers to a knight, who is a symbol of honour. The brothers also showing honour, join forces with their father and together they set out after Margaret. At the end of "The Douglas Tragedy," Lord Douglas's love for his daughter and his continuous fight against Lord William, even after they are deceased, signifies that he has unfaltering honour.
             Lord William demonstrates personal honour. This is proved by his desire to fight Lady Margaret's family, indicated by "Lord William looked o'er his left shou...