Sir Walter Scott's Characterization of Two Drovers

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Sir Walter Scott's Characterization of Two Drovers Much of Sir Walter Scott's popularity during the early eighteen hundreds came from his ability to draw forth the national pride of his readers, be they Scottish or English. "The Two Drovers" takes this element and pushes it immediately to the forefront by focusing on both an Englishman and a Scotsman in a tale revolving around nationality; however, Scott is not merely satisfied with establishing his protagonists as simply the model Highlander and model Englishman. Throughout the story, the author puts a strong emphasis on the personal qualities of the main characters, characterizing them both as proud individuals, while also noting their individual talents and temperaments. Certainly the most prominent trait in both main characters is pride for their homelands, but Scott uses very different methods of presenting this pride in his two protagonists. In the case of the Highland Scott, Robin Oig, the author chiefly uses imagery to characterize Robin's deep roots in the Scottish highlands. Scott describes the Highlander in his traditional dress, complete with kilt, dirk and plaid, creating a visual image of the Highlander in the mind of the reader. Scott further enhances the image by furnishing Robin with a thick Gaelic accent. Phrases like "I bid you good-even"(227) and "Prutt trutt"(228) are stand out in the text and provide contrast between the Highlander's mode of speaking and more common English. One infers from these descriptors that Robin is not afraid to be identified immediately as he travels through the lowlands and England. Far from afraid, he openly displays his heritage when he speaks in Gaelic so that those around him do not understand. Throu... ... middle of paper ... ...g quarrelsome; and perhaps not the less inclined to bring his disputes to a pugilistic decision" (231). Harry later exhibits his readiness to come to blows by refusing to let the Highlander leave without a fight. Ultimately, the Englishman's quick temper and physical size set him apart from the characteristically calm Robin Oig. In conclusion, Scott's description of Robin Oig and Harry Wakefield in "The Two Drovers" focuses on the characters' equally strong pride for their native lands along with their individual talents and dispositions. These differences, propelled by the force of pride, culminate in a true tragedy. Harry Wakefield, with his short fuse and strong fist and Robin Oig, with his Scottish pride and secret ambitions both posses too much pride to back down from a heated situation, and ultimately die as a result of a simple misunderstanding.

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