Waverley · Chapter
XIX: An Unexpected Embarrassment explained
After the battle, the Baron of Bradwardine seeks Fergus and Edward to discuss a feudal obligation: the right to remove the Prince's boots (or brogues) after battle.
What happens
After the battle, the Baron of Bradwardine seeks Fergus and Edward to discuss a feudal obligation: the right to remove the Prince's boots (or brogues) after battle. Fergus humorously indulges the Baron's pedantic legal and etymological debate, while the Baron prepares a formal protest to preserve his hereditary privilege. Fergus later reveals to Edward that he intends to inform the Prince of the Baron's quirk to ensure the moment is handled with appropriate gravity.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Duty
The Baron's obsessive concern with performing the feudal service of removing the Prince's boots illustrates how personal and family honour is tied to ancient ceremonial duties.
Social Class and Hierarchy
The debate over feudal tenure and the right to serve the Prince highlights the rigid social structures and privileges of the Scottish baronial class.
Romanticism vs. Reality
Fergus's amused commentary contrasts the Baron's romanticized view of feudal ceremony with the practical and often absurd reality of the situation.
Characters to notice
- Baron of Bradwardine
Anxiously consults Fergus and Edward about the feudal service of removing the Prince's boots, displaying his pedantic legal knowledge and deep concern for the honour of his house.
- Fergus MacIvor
Humorously indulges the Baron's discourse, then privately reveals to Edward his plan to inform the Prince of the Baron's quirk to prevent an awkward scene.
- Edward Waverley
Present as a silent observer during the Baron's feudal debate, following Fergus's signal to feign understanding.
- Evan Dhu Maccombich
Briefly addressed by the Baron before being drawn away by Fergus to prevent a quarrel with Ballenkeiroch.
- Old Ballenkeiroch
Lours at the Baron with savage defiance due to the death of his son in a past skirmish; Fergus intervenes to prevent a renewed quarrel.
- Bailie Macwheeble
Referenced by the Baron as having prepared a legal protest regarding the feudal service of removing the Prince's boots.
Key passages
“I doubt na, lads, but your education has been sae seen to that ye understand the true nature of the feudal tenures?”
I assume you both have been well enough educated to understand the true nature of feudal landholding.
The Baron begins his pedantic discourse on feudal law, assuming his listeners share his scholarly interests.
“The Prince wears no boots, but simply brogues and trews.”
The Prince is not wearing boots, only Highland brogues and trews.
The Baron's second dilemma: the feudal service specifies 'boots,' but the Prince is dressed in Highland attire.
“Long live our dear friend the Baron, for the most absurd original that exists north of the Tweed!”
Hurray for our dear friend the Baron, the most ridiculous character in all of Scotland!
Fergus affectionately mocks the Baron's eccentricity after he leaves.