Sir Walter Scott is considered to be „one of the most delightful figures in English literature and probably the most famous of all the Scotsmen who have ever lived“(Fletcher 2002, p. 127). This Scottish writer is famous for his historical novels which were very popular in the nineteenth century, especially his work that is our subject to discuss in the essay – Waverley. Scott himself was a descendant of one fighting clan and knew a number of people who took part in Jacobite rebellion. This helped him to depict the events better. He enforces past events by the use of imagination and magnification. Scott introduces in his work „Waverley or ‘tis sixty years since” a protagonist who has many romantic features. The setting of the plot, the characters and the events that are going to happen represent romanticism. Sir Walter Scott published Waverley in 1814 anonymously. This work brought him a great success and popularity at that time (Sanders 1994, p. 375). There exist many opinions and critics about this work. Some consider his work a very long and boring story. They find the description of places and author’s style of writing long-winded. There are some passages about which even author claims that are lengthy. As it was part of my compulsory literature, I had to read it. I would not have started to read this work if I was not forced but I found it very interesting, though. Nevertheless, it brought closer look at history and culture of Scottish people, political and historical situation in eighteenth century. The nature of the Highlands and characters that are depicted in this work are truly fascinating for a reader.
Throughout the whole work, we can observe the development of the character of Edward Waverley. We can notice how his rom...
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...haracter is changing and he realizes the reality more and more. Author pays only little attention to Edward’s love life, but we can observe some changes too. Edward changes his affections from idealised Flora who represents magnificence and beauty to Rose who is simpler but truly loves him and thanks to her he is still alive and a free man.
Waverley is a historical romantic novel that according my opinion can impress today’s reader. It does not only approach historic events of Scotland, but carries reader by its strong characters, songs and fighting for own ideals.
Works Cited
FLETCHER, R.B. (2002): A history of English literature. Blackmask.
SANDERS, A. (1994): The short Oxford history of English Literature. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
SCOTT, W. (2010): Waverley or ‘Tis Sixty Years Since. Pennsylvania State University: An Electronic Classics Series Publication.
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Sir Walter Scott has been heard around the world, translated into many languages, and repeated
113- The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 6th ed. of the book. Vol.
* Drabble, Margaret, ed. The Oxford Companion to English Literature. 5th Ed. New York: Oxford UP, 1985.