Waverley · Chapter
A Volunteer Sixty Years Since explained
Major Melville hands Edward Waverley over to the Cameronian leader Gilfillan and his motley band of armed volunteers for transport to Stirling Castle.
What happens
Major Melville hands Edward Waverley over to the Cameronian leader Gilfillan and his motley band of armed volunteers for transport to Stirling Castle. Despite Melville's advice on military discipline, Gilfillan dismisses him with religious scorn. Waverley departs under guard, jeered by villagers who believe he will be hanged for shooting the smith.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hierarchy
Contrast between Major Melville's polished military manner and Gilfillan's rustic fanaticism highlights class and cultural divides.
Honor and Duty
Melville insists on treating Waverley with civility despite his prisoner status, while Gilfillan prioritizes religious duty over military protocol.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Handed over as a state prisoner to Gilfillan's escort, departing Cairnvreckan under guard.
- Major Melville
Arranges Waverley's transfer to Gilfillan, offers military advice, and bids farewell.
- Gilfillan
Leads the Cameronian volunteers, displays fanatical piety, and rebuffs Melville's suggestions.
- Mr. Morton
Present at the exchange, shares an affectionate farewell with Waverley.
- John Mucklewrath
Mentioned by villagers as the smith Waverley is accused of shooting.
Key passages
“Six grenadiers of Ligonier's, thought the Major to himself, as his mind reverted to his own military experience, would have sent all these fellows to the right about.”
Major Melville reflects that a handful of regular soldiers could easily disperse Gilfillan's undisciplined volunteers.
Highlights the contrast between professional troops and amateur religious militia.
“Even thus are the children of this world wiser in their generation than the children of light!”
Gilfillan implies that worldly people are more practical than the devout, using a biblical allusion.
Gilfillan's scornful response to Melville's criticism of leaving men at a field preaching.