Waverley · Chapter
XVII: The Hold of a Highland Robber explained
Edward Waverley is taken by boat to the cave of the Highland outlaw Donald Bean Lean.
What happens
Edward Waverley is taken by boat to the cave of the Highland outlaw Donald Bean Lean. He finds the robber to be a small, unassuming man who greets him with French politeness and Scottish hospitality. They share a meal of soup and roasted meat, and Donald reveals a surprising knowledge of military matters and hints at knowing more about Waverley's purpose than Edward is willing to disclose. Waverley feels uneasy at the bandit's mysterious insinuations and eventually falls asleep in the cave.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Belonging
Waverley's encounter with the outlaw challenges his assumptions about Highland life and his own place within it.
Romanticism vs. Reality
Waverley's expectation of a fearsome bandit is subverted by the diminutive, polite Donald Bean Lean, contrasting romantic imagination with reality.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Arrives at the robber's cave by boat, is hosted by Donald Bean Lean, and feels uneasy at the bandit's mysterious hints.
- Donald Bean Lean
The Highland robber, small and pale, greets Waverley with French politeness and shows extensive knowledge of military matters and Waverley's connections.
- Evan Dhu Maccombich
Acts as master of ceremonies, eats heartily, and converses with Donald about a second-sighted seer.
- Baron of Bradwardine
Mentioned by Donald Bean Lean as a person worthy of trust, implying Waverley should confide in him.
- Fergus MacIvor
Referred to as Vich Ian Vohr by Donald Bean Lean, also cited as trustworthy.
Key passages
“The light, which they now approached more nearly, assumed a broader, redder and more irregular splendour. It appeared plainly to be a large fire, but whether kindled upon an island or the mainland Edward could not determine.”
As they got closer, the light grew into a large, red, flickering fire, but Edward couldn't tell if it was on an island or the shore.
Describes Waverley's first sight of the beacon fire at the cave.
“Donald Bean Lean was the very reverse of all these. He was thin in person and low in stature, with light sandy-coloured hair, and small pale features...”
Contrary to Waverley's expectations, Donald Bean Lean was small, thin, and pale, not a fearsome giant.
Highlights the contrast between Waverley's romantic expectations and reality.
“You might as well have confided in me; I am as much worthy of trust as either the Baron of Bradwardine or Vich Ian Vohr.”
Donald suggests that Waverley should trust him just as much as he trusts the Baron or Fergus MacIvor.
Donald's mysterious insinuation that he knows Waverley's secret purpose.