Assessing the Influence of Walter Scott’s Experiences on the Novel Waverley

Background

The personal life experiences affect literary work in multiple ways. Their stories' themes, characters, emotional depth, and writing style often reflect their experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Furthermore, the author’s personal struggles, cultural background, and worldview can shape the subjects they choose, the conflicts they explore, and the resolutions they envision. Additionally, an author's motivation to write, combined with their unique identity, can contribute to the authenticity and relatability of their work. While authors have the capacity for creative imagination, their personal lives undeniably leave a distinct mark on their storytelling, fostering a connection between their narratives and readers' experiences.

Jacobitism

Personal Life

Walter Scott was born and grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 1771 and was therefore surrounded by the stories of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745.[3] Further, Scott’s family had connections which might have influenced his fascination with Jacobinism. For example, Scott’s father was a member of the cadet branch of clan Scott. Further, he has links to Jacobitism through his early childhood acquittance Alexander Stewart of Invernahyle. At this point, Scott was about eight while Stewart, “a Jacobite patriarch who had survived participation in the ’15 and ’45 and would visit Edinburgh in connection with various litigations,” was over eighty.[4] Furthermore, his grandmother entertained him at a young age with stories about their ancestors and the border battles between the Scots and the English. The story’s heroes might have been romanticized in his mind cementing his beliefs about the monarchy. Further, his life was affected by the aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion and the subsequent suppression of Highland culture and traditions. This could have shaped his understanding of the deep-seated cultural and political facets fueling his cause. Being an author, Sir Walter Scott has an imaginative mind which means that having not witnessed the Jacobitism rebellion might have strengthened his belief in the Jacobitism cause by creating an emotional connection charged with great emotion.

Influence on the novel Waverley

The novel Waverley is hugely influenced by the events of the Jacobite rebellion in 1745 by Charles Stuart. Indeed, the historical context serves as the fabric to which the author creates his story, where the themes of loyalty, rebellion, and national identity are extensively represented.

Culture and Traditions

Scott grew up in Edinburgh, where he heard stories of the Jacobite rebellion and consequently must have been knowledgeable on the clash of culture between the English and Highland Scottish traditions. Indeed, a major aftermath of the rebellion is that in the determination to bring the highlands to heel, the army dismantled the clan system, and the weaponry, plaid, and pipes were outlawed.[5] This was a major blow to the highland culture.

In the novel Waverley, Scott delves into the cultural clash between English and Highland Scottish traditions, which reflects the Jacobite Rebellion's essence. The novel's vivid portrayal of Highland customs and values, juxtaposed with the more pragmatic English perspectives, reflects the broader clash of ideologies underlying the Jacobite movement. This shows that the observations made in his personal life on the cultural differences between the English and the Scots feature in his literary work.

Scott often portrays the Highlanders’ culture as the more noble culture. For instance, he writes, “‘To him that will not turn his back on friend or foe.’ ‘To him that never forsook a comrade.’ ‘To him that never bought or sold justice.’ ‘Hospitality to the exile and broken bones to the tyrant.’ ‘The lads with the kilts.’ ‘Highlanders, shoulder to shoulder’…[6] The book portrays it portrays the highlanders as noble and brave people who fought for their beliefs, while the English are portrayed as the enemy of the highlanders. The clash of traditions is exemplified when Edward encounters the Highlanders' unwavering commitment to the Stuart cause, often at odds with his own English sensibilities.[7]

Characters

The protagonist in the book is Edward Waverley, who embodies a struggle in mind between being loyal to the English crown or being sympathetic toward the individuals in the Jacobite cause. Edward Waverley interacts with Jacobite supporters like Fergus Mac-Ivor and Flora Mac-Ivor and offers readers a glimpse into the ideological fervor of the movement. In this aspect, the author uses his deep understanding of the moral and philosophical tensions faced by the English during the rebellion. The author is more knowledgeable on the subject matter owing to his experiences and connection to the Jacobite rebellion, which is reflected within the novel to express their position. Through Edward's journey, Scott explores the complexities of individual loyalties in the face of political upheaval. For instance, Sir Scot writes, “…Besides, Government are desirous at present to intimidate the English Jacobites, among whom they can find few examples for punishment. This is a vindictive and timid feeling which will soon wear off, for, of all nations, the English are least bloodthirsty by nature.”[8] The term English Jacobites is used twice more in the novel. This shows that, indeed, there were English Jacobites which would imply that was a conflict between loyalty to the English crown and sympathy for the Jacobites. Since there were some English folk who opted for the latter, referred to as the English Jacobites, it can be established that some English folk embody the tension loyalty to the English crown and sympathy.

Political Affiliations and Sacrifice

The themes that were presumably present during the Jacobite rebellion are once again reflected in Sir Scott’s literary work. In a political rebellion, one would expect conflict between what is personal and the political. Conflict can be defined as a threat or a perceived threat to an individual’s interests, values, or needs.[9] During the clash of traditions, there was a conflict derived from political beliefs, where the interests of the English monarch and its supporters were challenged. However, the conflict is well elaborated when personal inclinations are considered. Even the people who are otherwise not involved in social discourses participate in political conflicts because of the value placed on them.

As such, the author’s personal relationship through ancestry to the rebellion’s leader shapes the themes incorporated in Waverley. His presence in the geographical context and exposure to the rebellion stories add to the richness of the content, where each theme is accurately represented and relatable to the readers.

Legal Expertise and Court Scene

In 1773, Scott lived with his grandparents on their farm at Sandy Knowe. He later moved back to Edinburgh after his grandfather passed away in 1775.[14] Later on, he enrolled in the Royal High School of Edinburgh, but in 1783 he was sent to stay with his aunt Jenny at her home in Kelso, where he attended Kelso Grammar School. In November 1783, Scott began studying the classics at the University of Edinburgh, but in March 1786, he was apprenticed to his father as a writer to the Signet. He later decided to become a solicitor and returned to university to study law. He was still interested in literature and co-founded the Literary Society in 1789. After graduating, he became a lawyer in Edinburgh and entered the Faculty of Advocates in 1792. Walter Scott's background in law is a significant aspect of his life that greatly influenced his literary work. As illustrated in the brief history snippet, Scott practiced law before becoming a successful author, which exposed him to the intricacies of legal proceedings, the nuances of language used in courts, and the drama of courtroom dynamics. The exposure to law contributes to his literary writing in the following ways.

Development of a Realistic Plot

In the book Waverley, Scott leveraged his legal knowledge to imbue the court scene in with a sense of authenticity and realism because the proceedings closely resemble what one would expect in that era. Scott was able to accurately depict the legal procedures, terminology, and etiquette of a courtroom setting. For example, the author writes this about the charge, “…He handed to Waverley a warrant from the Supreme Criminal Court of Scotland, in full form, for apprehending and securing the person of Edward Waverley, Esq., suspected of treasonable practices and other high crimes and misdemeanors.”[15] In this quote, the depth of the matter is accurately conveyed. Before 1814, high treason against a reigning sovereign was a major charge which could mean the traitor could be hanged, drawn, or quartered. Furthermore, the punishment could extend to the next generation preventing the inheritance of titles or property.[16] This attention to detail contributed to the overall credibility of the scene and the book at large, not to mention that it enhanced the readers' immersion in the story. Specifically, from the novel, Scott had the courage to include a court scene where the protagonist, Edward Waverley, is tried for treason. This scene reflects Scott's legal expertise and, moreso, his ability to construct a compelling and engaging courtroom drama. The courtroom setting becomes a stage for the clash of loyalties and the confrontation of legal principles.

The use of Language and Jargon

Due to his background education, Scott's familiarity with legal language and jargon is evident in the dialogue and interactions within the court scene. The use of specific legal terminology, the formal manner in which characters address the court, and the precise language employed by lawyers all contribute to the scene's authenticity. This linguistic accuracy lends credence to the characters' roles and adds depth to their interactions. For example, Scott writes, “If visionary chivalry and imaginary loyalty come within the predicament of high treason, I know no court in Christendom, my dear Mr Morton, where they can sue out their Habeas Corpus.” ^[17] The term Habeas Corpus used by Scott through the magistrate, is a legal term that is not greatly known to people without a legal background. It is a legal order stating that an individual must appear before a court of law and be judged before being condemned to a prison sentence. There are other instances of legal language applied by Scott during the court proceedings. For example, Scott writes, “‘Well said, parson!’ replied the magistrate. – ‘I would some of your synod heard you. – But let me go on. This young man obtains leave of absence, goes to Tully-Veolan – the principles of the Baron of Bradwardine are pretty well known, not to mention that this lad’s uncle bought him off in the year fifteen…”[18] The term parson refers to the rector of a church.[19]

Developing Drama and Emotionally Captivating the Readers

“Died at his house, in Hill-Street, Berkeley-Square, upon the 10th inst., Richard Waverley, Esq., second son to Sir Giles Waverley of Waverley-Honour, &c. &c. He died of a lingering disorder, augmented by the unpleasant predicament of suspicion in which he stood, having been obliged to find bail, to a high amount, to meet an impending accusation of high treason. An accusation of the same grave crime hangs over his elder brother, Sir Everard Waverley, the representative of that ancient family ….[20]

The quote above uses legal proceedings knowledge to reflect the personal effects of a high treason charge during that era. The author captures the readers’ emotions by linking Richard’s death to a lingering disorder stemming from the unpleasant predicament of the high treason accusation and the accompanying high amounts of bail money required.

Philosophy

Scott uses a realist perspective for the novel Waverley. The realism philosophy is the view that something exists and has specific attributes independent of what people think about them.[21] This underscores the need to accept things as they are. Scott’s legal background might have been influential in developing this outlook. This is because realism is one of the theories primarily drawn from in law. Legal realism derives from prevailing societal interests and public policy. The judge, therefore, considers more than the abstract rules to include public policy and social interests when deciding a case.[22] The court scene in Waverley is a lens through which Scott examines the time's power dynamics and societal structures. His legal background allowed him to dissect class divisions, political biases, and the role of law within the context of historical events. The following is an example of a quote by a magistrate illustrating the use of a realist approach;

The reference to the typical behavior for a young man of Waverley’s age. This insinuates the consideration of not only the abstract law but also what is typical behavior for the average individual of the defendant’s stature. This underscores the core belief by the magistrate and, therefore, the author that regardless of what people think, there are some social attributes that are simply true. The author, therefore, uses his legal knowledge to authenticate his literary work by establishing his authority on the subject matter and goes a step further to use the knowledge to create drama that further engages the readers and holds their emotions as they resonate with their real live experiences. This is not possible without his education in law, given the technical nature of the field.

Passion for History

One of the significant influences of Sir Walter Scott’s writing is his passion for history. Sir Scott had always been fascinated by the history and culture of the native Scotland, his homeland.[24] Indeed, in his early 30s, the author published a three-volume collection of Scottish border ballads. As earlier established, Scott had a deep fascination for literature, and in November 1783, Scott began studying the classics at the University of Edinburgh, but in March 1786, he was apprenticed to his father as a writer to the Signet. This deep inclination towards history hugely influenced his literary work in the following ways. The author heavily draws on original and authentic materials in large mass with minimal tampering.[25]

Contextualization of the Narrative

Sir Walter Scott’s appreciation for history shapes his literary work, especially Waverley, by providing context through which the events of Waverley are placed within the broader historical landscape. The author includes historical figures and events in the story, enhancing realism and grounding the fictional work through historical authenticity. Consider the following quote. “

In the meanwhile his soldiers become mutinous and disorderly, and at length, while the rumour of this unhappy rebellion becomes general, his favourite Serjeant Houghton, and another fellow, are detected in correspondence with a French emissary, accredited, as he says, by Captain Waverley, who urges him, according to the men’s confession, to desert with the troop and join their captain, who was with Prince Charles. ^[26]

In this quote, Sir Scott references the 1945 rebellion, a real-life event that provides context for the novel Waverley. Furthermore, there is a reference to the connection of the rebellion to the French. Finally, the quote directly references Prince Charles, who organized the uprising to regain the monarch, which he believed was his birthright. This accurate reference to events that occurred in real life stems from the author’s deep knowledge of the historical factors stemming from his fascination.

Cultural Representation

This quote exemplifies cultural representation through the depiction of a traditional Scottish ritual. Walter Scott's inclusion of this custom adds authenticity and historical depth to the narrative and offers readers a glimpse into the cultural diversity and richness of the world he portrays in "Waverley."

Character Development

Health Issues

Development of Characters

This further builds the theme of resilience. While the connection might seem weak, the author persevered after he was infected with polio and even became an outstanding author. As such, the author did not allow impediments to stand in the way of his destiny. His literary work reflects this through the theme of perseverance and resilience. This theme is especially evident in Waverley, where characters navigate difficult circumstances and exhibit inner strength. A great example of this is the resilience shown by the protagonist Edward. After falling in love with Scotland and Flora Mac Ivor, Edward is influenced to join the Jacobites in their uprising. He is later accused of high treason, which, as highlighted in the text, carries a major sentence that includes being hanged and disemboweled into four pieces. As one would imagine, this takes an emotional toll on Edward. However, he perseveres and survives as a result of intervention by Colonel Talbot, whom he had earlier rescued.[32]

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sir Walter Scott’s life experiences and personal passions are greatly featured in his literary work Waverley. His profound connection to Jacobitism, which stems from his familial ties and the cultural and geographical context within which he was brought up, developed most of the themes in the book and created a backbone for the book. This is the motivation behind authoring the Waverley. Further, Scott’s strong background in law forms a solid basis for his legal understanding of legal procedures, which the author leverages by creating a scene where the protagonist is accused of treason and legal proceedings follow. The author establishes authenticity in this aspect, not to mention that he makes an emotional connection with the readers by highlighting the mental toll of such an accusation. Furthermore, Scott's unquenchable fascination with history transformed Waverley into a vivid tapestry of the past, with meticulously researched historical details adding depth to settings, characters, and cultural nuances. His passion for history revitalized forgotten stories, transporting readers to a bygone era where societal dynamics and personal struggles echoed through the ages. Finally, Scott's health challenges, symbolized through characters and themes in Waverley, added layers of empathy, resilience, and identity exploration to his narrative canvas. His triumph over adversity resonates through characters who face their trials and emerge stronger, making Waverley a testament to the enduring spirit of human endurance.

Bibliography

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———, Waverley, Anniversary Edition, 2014

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Footnotes