Walter Scott's Waverly
Walter Scott is my favorite Romantic. Especially because I love Historical fiction and when you talk about this genre you can't miss out its pioneer. Whether it is the Heart of Midloathian or The Bride of Lammermoor, Scott always has a fascinating story to tell; providing a new perspective towards the historical event he deals with. The blend of reality, or more specifically, history and fiction which he presents in his works has always attracted me. Though I haven't traditionally studied any of his works, I've read them for my personal liking. And which is why, I'm introducing, what is popularly known as his masterpiece; Waverly.
Here's a quick overview of what the novel is about:
The protagonist is a young Englishman, Edward Waverly. Neglected by his pro-Hanoverian father he is raised by his elderly uncle, the Jacobite leaning Sir Everard Waverly (yes! they have similar sounding names!). Having obtained a commission in the army he is sent to Scotland in 1745. Later he meets his uncle's friend, a fellow Jacobite, the Baron of Braudverdine, and is attracted to his daughter Rose. A spirit of adventure later leads Edward to visit a young highland chieftain and ardent Jacobite, Fergus McIvor. Edward's spirit of enthusiasm lead him to get affected and attached to the Jacobite cause. However, his frequent visits to the known Jacobites compromises Edward with his regiment, leading ultimately to his arrest. Rescued by Rose, Edward joins the Jacobite forces even if he knows that they are going to fail in their attempt. As the Jacobite cause fails, Edward is forced into hiding and is freed only when General Talbot, whose life he had saved at the Battle of Prestonpans, pardons him. After the trial and condemnation of Fergus, Edward is decisively rejected by Flora, Fergus's sister. In the end Edward marries Rose who represents the rational, realistic, post-union Scotland as opposed to the colorful, passionate past personified by Flora.
Now, this novel won't make sense, like the other novels belonging to the genre, if you don't know what was the Jacobite rebellion in English and Scottish history. Especially when you're reading Scott you must have a historical background of Scotland. Another thing to take note of is that Romanticism's idea about revolution, freedom, etc, was quite different from what we understand today. Freedom was faught for, not just on the political level but also on the individual. Thus, when a Romantic novelist like Scott writes about history, he/she is not just talking about political or social set-up but rather their focus is more on what is an individual's role in, and perspective on, historical events. And I think this is the reason why Waverly is an important work to be read and understood.
Here's a quick overview of what the novel is about:
The protagonist is a young Englishman, Edward Waverly. Neglected by his pro-Hanoverian father he is raised by his elderly uncle, the Jacobite leaning Sir Everard Waverly (yes! they have similar sounding names!). Having obtained a commission in the army he is sent to Scotland in 1745. Later he meets his uncle's friend, a fellow Jacobite, the Baron of Braudverdine, and is attracted to his daughter Rose. A spirit of adventure later leads Edward to visit a young highland chieftain and ardent Jacobite, Fergus McIvor. Edward's spirit of enthusiasm lead him to get affected and attached to the Jacobite cause. However, his frequent visits to the known Jacobites compromises Edward with his regiment, leading ultimately to his arrest. Rescued by Rose, Edward joins the Jacobite forces even if he knows that they are going to fail in their attempt. As the Jacobite cause fails, Edward is forced into hiding and is freed only when General Talbot, whose life he had saved at the Battle of Prestonpans, pardons him. After the trial and condemnation of Fergus, Edward is decisively rejected by Flora, Fergus's sister. In the end Edward marries Rose who represents the rational, realistic, post-union Scotland as opposed to the colorful, passionate past personified by Flora.
Now, this novel won't make sense, like the other novels belonging to the genre, if you don't know what was the Jacobite rebellion in English and Scottish history. Especially when you're reading Scott you must have a historical background of Scotland. Another thing to take note of is that Romanticism's idea about revolution, freedom, etc, was quite different from what we understand today. Freedom was faught for, not just on the political level but also on the individual. Thus, when a Romantic novelist like Scott writes about history, he/she is not just talking about political or social set-up but rather their focus is more on what is an individual's role in, and perspective on, historical events. And I think this is the reason why Waverly is an important work to be read and understood.
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