Waverley · Chapter
Shows That the Loss of a Horse's Shoe May Be a Serious Inconvenience explained
Waverley and his guide Ebenezer Cruickshanks arrive at Cairnvreckan, where the smithy is in full activity repairing weapons amid rumors of a Highland uprising.
What happens
Waverley and his guide Ebenezer Cruickshanks arrive at Cairnvreckan, where the smithy is in full activity repairing weapons amid rumors of a Highland uprising. A confrontation with the blacksmith John Mucklewrath leads to Waverley firing his pistol in self-defense, wounding the smith. The local minister, Mr. Morton, intervenes to calm the mob and arranges for Waverley to be taken before the justice of the peace.
Themes in this chapter
Change and Transition
The village of Cairnvreckan is in a state of upheaval due to news of the Highland descent, symbolizing the broader political and social transition about to occur.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Waverley's purse and demeanor set him apart from the villagers, and his attempt to use intimidation with a pistol reflects class-based assumptions of authority.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Travels with Ebenezer Cruickshanks; fires his pistol in self-defense at John Mucklewrath; is disarmed and detained by the mob.
- Mr. Ebenezer Cruickshanks
Waverley's guide; announces his horse has lost a shoe; later withdraws the horses and refuses to return them, citing breach of contract.
- John Mucklewrath
The blacksmith of Cairnvreckan; is repairing weapons; rushes at Waverley with a red-hot iron and is shot, but only grazed on the head.
- Mrs. Mucklewrath
John Mucklewrath's wife; a virago who sings Jacobite songs and quarrels with her husband; later weeps over him after the shooting.
- Mr. Morton
The venerable clergyman of Cairnvreckan; calms the mob, tends to the wounded smith, and arranges for Waverley to be taken before the justice of the peace.
Key passages
“The manner and air of Waverley, but, above all, the glittering contents of his purse, and the indifference with which he seemed to regard them, somewhat overawed his companion, and deterred him from making any attempts to enter upon conversation.”
Waverley's demeanor and the visible wealth in his purse intimidated his guide, discouraging him from starting a conversation.
Highlights Waverley's social and economic superiority over his guide.
“The names of Lochiel, Clanronald, Glengarry, and other distinguished Highland Chiefs, among whom Vich Ian Vohr was repeatedly mentioned, were as familiar in men's mouths as household words; and from the alarm generally expressed, he easily conceived that their descent into the Lowlands, at the head of their armed tribes, had either already taken place or was instantly apprehended.”
The villagers spoke of Highland chiefs like Lochiel and Glengarry as if they were common knowledge, and their alarm suggested that a Highland invasion of the Lowlands was either happening or imminent.
Conveys the widespread fear and anticipation of the Jacobite rising.
“The unfortunate man fell; and while Edward, thrilled with a natural horror at the incident, neither had presence of mind to unsheathe his sword nor to draw his remaining pistol, the populace threw themselves upon him, disarmed him, and were about to use him with great violence, when the appearance of a venerable clergyman, the pastor of the parish, put a curb on their fury.”
When the smith fell, Edward was too horrified to draw his sword or second pistol, and the crowd disarmed him and prepared to attack him violently, but the arrival of the parish minister stopped them.
Shows Waverley's shock and the timely intervention of Mr. Morton.