'A Hero only Scott could like'? I think not! (Waverley - Sir Walter Scott)

Member Name: little_pandora

Product:	Waverley - Sir Walter Scott
Date:	17/02/05 (394 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well written, Interesting, Funny!

Disadvantages: A tad long if you bore easily

When Sir Walter Scott finally took credit as author of 'Waverley' (it was initially published some years before by 'anonymous', though most critics recognised Scott's style) he claimed he had created a hero that 'only he could like'. I hate to disagree with such a highly respected member of the literati, but I must say that I am one of Edward Waverley's greatest fans! Having recently studied this novel as part of my Scottish Literature university course, I found myself introduced to a fantastically written novel that blends the historic with the fictional and romance with realism.

An overview of the plot is, of course, essential. 'Waverley' was the first historically accurate fiction to be introduced to the mainstream, and it tells us the story of the impetuous and hopelessly romantic Edward Waverley. Having spent his entire childhood left to his own devices, Waverley has immersed himself so deeply in books and romances that his head is somewhat 'in the clouds'. When he is given the opportunity to travel into the Scottish Highlands, he of course seizes it with unlimited gusto. Whilst more level headed people would see his introduction to Highland cheiftains, champions of the Jacobite case no less, dangerous, Waverley of course sees such a plus as a rather wonderful adventure. Completely infatuated with 'Tartan fever', and also the beautiful daughter of his leader, he embarks on a bloody war on the Jacobite side, greatly endangering himself and his unsuspecting family back in Hanoverian England.

Now, many critics of Scott would have you believe that this novel is a ridiculous romance. I am telling you now, having studied under the fantastic tutelage of the esteemed editor Douglas Gifford, that this is NOT THE CASE! It seems quite obvious to me that Scott is in fact setting up romance throughout 'Waverley', and then viciously cutting it down. He is certainly not a champion of romance, if anything, he is highly dubious about it. This is clear through his characterisation of Edward Waverley. Waverley is an unconventional hero who is fantastically over romantic. Scott frequently mocks this character trait, leading Waverley into dangerous situations that the character finds exciting, yet he always ends up rather red in the face. Scott's mocking tone and Edward's haplessness is a cause for great reading, because it is simply very funny. The comic edge to the narrative saves the novel from merely being another 19th century English farce, brimful of over-written sentences and floral language.

Back to Edward Waverley. Despite his MANY flaws, I think he is one of the better heroes to encounter. Unlike the macho crap we usually find in historical novels (think of William Wallace representations: 7 feet tall, yeah bloody right), Edward is a hero we can identify with. As much as he exasperates you, you cannot help smiling with affection when he falls into yet another mishap. His romanticism is a flaw that endangers and humiliastes him, and yet I'd have him no other way. His childlike character is incredibly endearing, and by the end of the novel I think you will care a great deal about him.

The events of the novel are also an aspect to be mentioned. Despite being rooted in historical truth, the battle scenes and travels are so well written by Scott that boredom is the last thing on your mind. The Jacobite rebellion alone was a very compelling issue, and so by throwing in some fiction Scott has created an extremely interesting novel.

I will say, however, that if you are not fond of long novels, or details for that matter, 'Waverley' may not be the best bedtime reading choice for you. It IS a seriously written book, and the 19th century was a pompous era in literature, so be prepared for some intellectual puffing. Scott was a lawyer first and foremost, mind.

I will conclude by saying that 'Waverley' was a monumental book of its time, and any serious reader would be missing out on one of the greatest pieces of literature if they do not attempt it. It's well written, compelling and even funny. If Hollywood melodramas exasperate you and romance novels make you cringe, then 'Waverley' is the perfect cynics' choice. Just look closely for the subtle jabs at chivalry and the romantic!

Summary: