Waverley · Chapter
VII: An Incident explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Gilfillan, a Cameronian Covenanter, marches with his prisoner Edward Waverley toward Stirling, engaging him in a lengthy theological diatribe against prelacy and Erastianism. A pedlar joins the party and flatters Gilfillan, but his repeated whistling for his dog proves to be a signal for an ambush by Highlanders, who attack the party, rescue Waverley, and carry him away.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Allegiance
Gilfillan's fanatical loyalty to the Covenant and his condemnation of those who compromise with prelacy or Erastianism highlight the theme of allegiance to religious and political causes.
Identity and Belonging
Waverley's passive role as a prisoner caught between the Jacobite Highlanders and the Covenanter Lowlanders underscores his uncertain identity and lack of belonging.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Prisoner under Gilfillan's guard, listens to theological harangue, is rescued by Highlanders after his horse is shot.
- Gilfillan
Cameronian Covenanter leading the march, delivers a lengthy sermon against prelacy and Erastianism, is knocked down by the pedlar during the ambush.
- Donald Bean Lean
Implied as the leader of the ambush; the pedlar is likely one of his men or in league with him.
Key passages
“Can ye say wha the carle was wi' the black coat and the mousted head, that was wi' the Laird of Cairnvreckan?”
Can you tell me who that fellow with the black coat and powdered head was, who was with the Laird of Cairnvreckan?
Gilfillan asks Waverley about the identity of the Presbyterian clergyman they encountered earlier.
“The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”
The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!
Gilfillan's battle cry as the Highlanders attack, invoking the biblical story of Gideon.