Sir Walter Scott Appreciation discussion

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I read this book a few years ago, and just skimmed these chapters to refresh my memory. I always love the way Scott describes his characters, and gives them a particular speech pattern that is instantly recognized the next time we come across the characters. And I love the way he brings historical events to life.

I am enjoying it so far. Edward is off to Scotland and his Aunt Rachel gives him some advice as he is ready to depart:

She allowed that the northern part of the island contained some ancient families, but they were all whigs and presbyterians except the Highlanders; and respecting them she must needs say, there could be no great delicacy among the ladies, where the gentlemen's usual attire was, as she had been assured, to say the least, very singular, and not at all decorous.

I have finished the first nine chapters, which were basically the introduction, I think. However, our hero has arrived in Scotland and I am sure things will start happening soon.

I am now reading along. Some thoughts from the introduction of my copy:
1. Why has this novel long been credited with the development of the European novel and Western fiction more generally?
2. Why does this novel still matter?

Maybe we can answer these at the end of our reading?

Waverley can be considered an historical coming of age novel, in German called a Bildungsroman. They are a staple of 19th century German literature, and also the French to some degree. Scott is good at creating the setting and describing the environment, and the hero is usually likeable.

Rosemarie wrote: "Waverley can be considered an historical coming of age novel, in German called a Bildungsroman. They are a staple of 19th century German literature, and also the French to some degree. Scott is goo..."

I am enjoying Scott's reference to education. 200 years ago he was concerned about the same things that concern me in education; Edward was learning for amusement and not learning to train his mind to think and study.

He was 'losing forever the opportunity of acquiring habits of firm and incumbent application, of gaining the art of controlling, directing, and concentrating the powers of his own mind for earnest investigation.'

Thoughts?

I think that many children, and some of their parents, want school to be interesting and fun- without the work. Things have not changed that much in 200 years.

I love Scott's subtle humor :-) It was there, for example, in describing the "bear" making its rounds, and Bradwardine denying that he had been drunk.

I am at last able to concentrate on just this book having cleared all the other books for this year. Up to chapter 9 my thoughts:
1. I agree with Lori that Scott excels at description and character.
2. Humour is paramount and also accuracy for instance, the tale of the Jacobite returning for his Livvy is true, except in the real event, it did not soften the heart of his captors and he was executed, I like Scott's version better.
3. Even though it is a romance and historical fiction I love the way Scott remains true. He describes Scotland and the Scottish sometimes not in the best of colours but nevertheless he reports things as they are.