Topics for discussion
1.
What possible tension exists between the code of chivalry and the rules of behavior
that govern kings?
Answer 1.
For many critics, defence of Scott subsumes a defence of a national culture against the
attacks of Englishness.
Lukács
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is most adamant in his belief that Waverley is the first major historical novel of
modern times. This is clear from the distinction he draws between the eighteenth-century novel of
manners, where social realities are described with little attention to diachronic change, and the
eruption of history in the lives of communities, as occurs in historical novels. Lukács' thesis that
the historical novel is born in Britain is a result of the socio-economic circumstances of the time.
Scott ranks among the honest Tories in the England of his time who exonerate nothing in
the development of capitalism, who not only see clearly, but also deeply sympathise with the
unending misery of the people which the collapse of old England brings in is wake: yet who,
precisely because of their conservatism, display no violent opposition to the features of the new
development repudiated by them.
If we accept this line, then Scott's attitude to the past cannot correctly be described as
nostalgic, rather he is sympathetic to those affected by change, without being patronising. Let’s
take a look at the following quotations which shows to what extent there is a given social
hierarchy in Waverley, a social base of feudal character, since people occupy different positions
in the banquet. The order is more or less the following from more to less important;
Chief/Edward/visitors/the elder/lessers/tenants/low rank highlanders/women and children,
beggars and dogs. However, this social base is in transition towards a more capitalist society as
the importance of money in a source of hiararchy as well.
"At the head of the table was the chief himself, with Edward and two or three highland
visitors of neighbouring clans; the elders of his own tribe, wadsetters, and tacksmen, as
they were called, who occupied portions of his estate as mortgagers or lessers, sat next
in rank; beneath them, their sons and nephews, and foster-brethren; then the officers of
13
Lukacs, George. The Historical Novel. London: Merlin Press, 1989.
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the Chief’s household, according to their order; and, lowest of all, the tenants who
actually cultivated the ground. Even beyond this long perspective, Edward might see
upon the green, to which a huge pair of folding doors opened, a multitude of Highlanders
of a yet inferior description, who, nevertheless, were considered as guests and had their
share both of the countenance of the entertainer, and of the cheer of the day. In the
distance, and fluctuating round this extreme verge of the banquet, was a changeful group
of women, ragged boys and girls, beggars, young and old greyhounds and terriers, and
pointers, and curs of low degree; all of whom took some interest, more or less immediate,
in the main action of the piece". (Scott, 1994:Chapter XX, 171)
2. Think about the novel's portrayal of religion. What does Scott seem to say about the
church? Give concrete examples.
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