# Choice of a Profession explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Edward Waverley's family debates his future. Aunt Rachel, concerned about his romantic interest in Miss Cecilia Stubbs, persuades Sir Everard to send him abroad. However, Richard Waverley, influenced by a government minister, secures Edward a commission as a captain in Gardiner's dragoons, overriding Sir Everard's Jacobite sympathies. Edward receives the news with mixed excitement and begins to compose romantic poetry, while Sir Everard reluctantly accepts the decision.

## Themes in this chapter

### Romanticism vs. Reality

Edward's romantic imagination clashes with the practical decision of his military career; his poetry and idealization of Miss Stubbs contrast with the political maneuvering behind his commission.

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Sir Everard's Jacobite sympathies conflict with his nephew's service under the Hanoverian king, highlighting divided loyalties within the family.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

The influence of aristocratic family pedigree and political connections in securing Edward's commission reflects the class-based structure of military and society.

### Change and Transition

Edward's transition from idle study and romantic reverie to active military service marks a significant turning point in his life.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Waverley

Receives news of his commission as captain in Gardiner's dragoons; reacts with animated surprise and begins composing romantic poetry.

### Sir Everard Waverley

Reluctantly accepts Edward's army commission under the Hanoverian dynasty, despite his Jacobite leanings; consoles himself with family pride.

### Richard Waverley

Arranges Edward's commission after a hint from the minister; writes to Sir Everard justifying the decision.

### Aunt Rachel

Initiates the plan to send Edward abroad to prevent his infatuation with Miss Stubbs; later helps prepare him for the army.

### Mr. Pembroke

Edward's tutor; picks up fragments of Edward's poetry and shares them with Aunt Rachel.

### Miss Cecilia Stubbs

Local beauty who catches Edward's romantic attention during his walks in Waverley-Chase.

## Key lines

> A romantic lover is a strange idolater, who sometimes cares not out of what log he frames the object of his adoration; at least, if nature has given that object any passable proportion of personal charms, he can easily play the Jeweller and Dervise in the Oriental tale, and supply her richly, out of the stores of his own imagination, with supernatural beauty, and all the properties of intellectual wealth.

A romantic lover idealizes his beloved, embellishing even modest charms with imaginary perfection.

_Narrator's commentary on Edward's tendency to romanticize Miss Stubbs._

> It was, as a fine old poem expresses it, 'like a fire to heather set,' that covers a solitary hill with smoke, and illumines it at the same time with dusky fire.

The news of his commission excited Edward, illuminating his mind even as it unsettled him.

_Describes Edward's emotional response to his sudden military appointment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-v-choice-of-a-profession
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters