Robert Bruce's Name Symbol
Traditionally, Robert Bruce was referred to as Robert THE Bruce, which was a symbol of his Norman Frence roots. In 1066, the Norman French invaded Britain, and one of their main points of settlement was Scotland. Robert "the Bruce" derives from "de Brus", which means "of Brus", an area in Normandy from which the invaders came. This name is also a symbol of his antipathy with the English, as his roots come from the invaders and not from England.
Secret Marriage Symbol
The fact that Wallace and his bride were married in secret symbolizes his rebellion against King Edward Longshanks, and the laws that he had introduced. Feudal law permitted (and almost instructed) noblemen to sleep with young women on the eve of their wedding day. Wallace did not want to see his love raped by a nobleman and so the couple married in secret, thereby concealing the date of the wedding and avoiding the threat of the law.
King Edward's Name Symbol
King Edward was nicknamed "Edward Longshanks" which was a reference to, and symbol of, his height and his extremely long legs (shanks being an old term for one's legs). After a while, he was referred to as just "Longshanks" rather than by his monarchial title, or given name.
Scottish Kilt Symbol
The traditional Scottish kilt is full of symbolism in that each Scottish clan has its own traditional tartan design that is a symbol of their heritage. There are as many different tartans as their are clans, but they all have traditional roots, and each symbolizes the particular area in the country that a person hails from.
Wallace's Refusal to Submit to the King Symbol
In order to avoid being tortured before he was executed, Wallace was given the opportunity to give respect and allegiance to the King; in return, his death would be swift. He refused to do this, despite knowing that he would be tortured and suffer greatly before dying. This is a symbol of his freedom; he does not want to submit to the King, and refusing to do so, in his mind, is a symbol that he already has his independence. Because he is the one making this final choice he is showing that he has the freedom to decide how, and when, he dies. This also symbolizes his commitment to the cause of Scottish freedom.
