Waverley · Chapter
A Postscript Which Should Have Been a Preface explained
The author addresses the reader directly, explaining that this postscript should have been a preface.
What happens
The author addresses the reader directly, explaining that this postscript should have been a preface. He reflects on the profound transformation of Scottish society since the 1745 Jacobite rising, noting the destruction of Highland patriarchal power, the abolition of heritable jurisdictions, and the extinction of the Jacobite party. He describes his aim to preserve the memory of ancient Scottish manners and loyalty through fiction, grounding the most romantic incidents in fact. He acknowledges his own doubts about the work, mentions having laid it aside for years, and pays tribute to other writers like Miss Edgeworth, Mrs. Hamilton, and Mrs. Grant. He closes by dedicating the volumes to Henry Mackenzie.
Themes in this chapter
Change and Transition
The chapter focuses on the complete transformation of Scottish society within half a century, from the destruction of Highland chiefs' power to the extinction of Jacobite loyalties.
Identity and Belonging
The author reflects on the preservation of ancient Scottish manners and the sense of national identity that has vanished.
Loyalty and Allegiance
Highlights the disinterested attachment to the house of Stuart and the old Scottish faith, hospitality, worth, and honour.
Characters to notice
- Flora MacIvor
The heroic reply imputed to Flora relates to a lady of rank not long deceased.
- Prince Charles Edward Stuart
His escape after Culloden is cited as the most striking example of hair-breadth escapes.
- Miss Edgeworth
Praised for her admirable Irish portraits, which the author sought to emulate.
- Mackenzie
The volumes are dedicated to Henry Mackenzie, described as 'our Scottish Addison'.
Key passages
“There is no European nation which, within the course of half a century or little more, has undergone so complete a change as this kingdom of Scotland.”
No European country has changed as thoroughly as Scotland in the last fifty years or so.
The author emphasizes the rapid and total transformation of Scottish society.
“Indeed, the most romantic parts of this narrative are precisely those which have a foundation in fact.”
The most fanciful episodes in the story are actually based on real events.
The author asserts the factual basis for the novel's most dramatic incidents.
“I would willingly persuade myself that the preceding work will not be found altogether uninteresting.”
I hope readers will find the book at least somewhat engaging.
The author expresses modest hope for the work's reception.