Waverley · Chapter
XII: The Mystery Begins to Be Cleared Up explained
Waverley meets Prince Charles Edward Stuart and is deeply impressed.
What happens
Waverley meets Prince Charles Edward Stuart and is deeply impressed. Fergus MacIvor explains the political maneuvering at court and outfits Waverley in Highland dress. Fergus reveals that Waverley was held by Donald Bean Lean, who acted independently. The Baron of Bradwardine arrives, discusses Waverley's lost commission, and invites him to visit Rose. Waverley learns that Flora MacIvor is in Edinburgh but will not see him until evening.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Allegiance
Waverley's enthusiastic vow to live and die under Prince Charles contrasts with the political maneuvering and self-interest among the Prince's supporters.
Identity and Belonging
Waverley's transformation into a 'complete son of Ivor' through Highland dress symbolizes his shifting allegiance and new identity.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Fergus's manipulation of rank and patronage, and the Baron's concern for proper military hierarchy, highlight the importance of social standing in the Jacobite cause.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Receives a warm welcome from Prince Charles, is fitted for Highland dress by Fergus, and learns the truth about his captivity.
- Fergus MacIvor
Explains court politics, outfits Waverley, and reveals Donald Bean Lean's independent actions; shows a calculating side regarding Flora's social value.
- Baron of Bradwardine
Arrives in military uniform, discusses Waverley's commission loss with legal and classical references, and invites him to see Rose.
- Flora MacIvor
Mentioned as residing in Edinburgh; Fergus notes she will attend the evening concert and ball.
- Rose Bradwardine
Has come to Edinburgh with Flora under guard due to dangers at Tully-Veolan.
- Callum Beg
Receives Fergus and Waverley at the Chief's quarters.
- Mr. Falconer of Balmawhapple
Heard arguing with the Baron about prisoner treatment; departs in displeasure.
- Donald Bean Lean
Revealed by Fergus to have acted independently, plundering under false pretenses and likely playing the pedlar in Waverley's rescue.
Key passages
“A prince to live and die under”
A ruler worthy of absolute loyalty unto death.
Waverley's immediate and enthusiastic admiration for Prince Charles.
“You do my second-sight too much honour”
You give me too much credit for supernatural foresight.
Fergus's ironic response to Waverley's suggestion that he knew about the soiled shooting jacket.
“I cannot bear that Flora should be considered as conducing to her brother's preferment by the admiration which she must unquestionably attract”
Waverley is disturbed by the idea that Flora's beauty is being used to advance Fergus's political ambitions.
Waverley's growing unease with Fergus's calculating nature regarding his sister.