# XXVII: Upon the Same Subject explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Fergus MacIvor avoids discussing his sister's rejection of Waverley, instead focusing on military preparations. He urges Waverley to join the Jacobite cause, but Waverley hesitates due to his recent commission and loyalty to the government. Fergus then advises Waverley to pursue Flora, hinting at her devotion to the Stuart cause. Waverley finds Flora by the waterfall, where she gently but firmly rejects his suit, explaining that her passion for the restoration of the royal family leaves no room for romantic love. She warns him that a marriage without shared devotion would lead to unhappiness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Romanticism vs. Reality

Waverley's romantic ideals of love clash with Flora's realistic devotion to a political cause, leading to her rejection of his suit.

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Fergus pressures Waverley to shift his loyalty from the Hanoverian government to the Jacobite cause, while Flora's loyalty to the Stuarts overrides personal affection.

## Character check-ins

### Fergus MacIvor

Fergus tactfully avoids discussing Flora's rejection, focuses on military preparations, and urges Waverley to join the Jacobite cause.

### Edward Waverley

Waverley is torn between his love for Flora, his loyalty to the government, and the dangerous prospect of joining the Jacobite rebellion.

### Flora MacIvor

Flora firmly but gently rejects Waverley's suit, explaining that her devotion to the Stuart cause leaves no room for romantic love.

## Key lines

> Loyalty is her ruling passion; and since she could spell an English book she has been in love with the memory of the gallant Captain Wogan

Flora's primary devotion is to the Stuart cause, inspired by the heroic Captain Wogan.

_Fergus explains Flora's deep-seated loyalty to the Jacobite cause._

> I could esteem you, Mr. Waverley, as much, perhaps more, than any man I have ever seen; but I cannot love you as you ought to be loved.

Flora values Waverley as a friend but cannot return his romantic love.

_Flora gently rejects Waverley's proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii-upon-the-same-subject
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters