Waverley · Chapter
A Letter from Tully-Veolan explained
Waverley receives a letter from Rose Bradwardine warning him of the danger he is in due to the political unrest and the search for him by government soldiers.
What happens
Waverley receives a letter from Rose Bradwardine warning him of the danger he is in due to the political unrest and the search for him by government soldiers. He decides to leave the Highlands and go to Edinburgh to clear his name, despite Fergus MacIvor's warnings. The chapter explores Waverley's internal conflict between loyalty to the established government and the allure of the Jacobite cause.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Allegiance
Waverley struggles with his duty to the reigning Hanoverian monarchy versus the allure of the Jacobite cause, as seen in his internal debate and Fergus's persuasion.
Romanticism vs. Reality
Waverley's romanticized view of the Highlands and Flora is contrasted with the harsh realities of civil war and personal danger revealed in Rose's letter.
Identity and Belonging
Waverley's sense of self is challenged as he is suspected by the government and urged to join a cause that conflicts with his English upbringing and military commission.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Receives Rose's letter, resolves to leave for Edinburgh to clear his reputation, and grapples with his political loyalties.
- Rose Bradwardine
Writes a letter to Waverley detailing the danger he is in and the events at Tully-Veolan after her father's departure.
- Fergus MacIvor
Attempts to persuade Waverley to join the Jacobite cause and warns him of the dangers of returning to government territory.
- Davie Gellatley
Delivers Rose's letter to Waverley by singing and dancing outside the castle window.
- Baron of Bradwardine
Has fled north with other gentlemen after warrants were issued for his arrest.
- Flora MacIvor
Mentioned in Rose's letter and in Waverley's thoughts as he considers his farewell to her.
- Bailie Macwheeble
Mentioned as having been rudely treated by soldiers at Tully-Veolan and as being reluctant to meddle in others' affairs.
Key passages
“My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here, My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer; A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe, My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go.”
Davie Gellatley sings a song expressing longing for the Highlands, which awakens Waverley and reminds him of Tully-Veolan.
The song evokes Waverley's nostalgia and the pull of the Highland life he is leaving.
“I fear I am using an improper freedom by intruding upon you, yet I cannot trust to anyone else to let you know some things which have happened here, with which it seems necessary you should be acquainted.”
Rose apologizes for writing to Waverley but feels compelled to warn him of the danger he is in.
Rose's letter is a key plot device, prompting Waverley's decision to leave.
“You run your head into the lion's mouth. You do not know the severity of a government harassed by just apprehensions, and a consciousness of their own illegality and insecurity.”
Fergus warns Waverley that returning to government territory is dangerous because the authorities are paranoid and harsh.
Fergus's warning highlights the political volatility of the time.