Waverley · Chapter
XXV: “To One Thing Constant Never” explained
Waverley reflects on his capricious feelings, comparing Rose Bradwardine's gentle nature to Flora MacIvor's distant demeanor.
What happens
Waverley reflects on his capricious feelings, comparing Rose Bradwardine's gentle nature to Flora MacIvor's distant demeanor. At a social gathering, he observes the two women, noting Rose's naturalness and feeling. A debate on language and poetry leads to a reading of Romeo and Juliet, where Flora defends Romeo's transfer of affection as natural. Waverley resolves to abandon his pursuit of Flora and leave his future to circumstance.
Themes in this chapter
Romanticism vs. Reality
Waverley's internal debate contrasts idealized love for Flora with the reality of Rose's quiet affection; Flora's defense of Romeo's fickleness highlights the tension between romantic ideals and practical emotions.
Identity and Belonging
Waverley's caprice reflects his uncertain identity, torn between Highland and Lowland values, and between his own desires and social expectations.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Paces his room, self-criticizing his caprice; compares Rose and Flora; reads Romeo and Juliet; resolves to give up Flora.
- Flora MacIvor
Debates Gaelic vs. Italian poetry; votes for music over Shakespeare; defends Romeo's fickleness as poetic art.
- Rose Bradwardine
Makes room for Waverley; praises Italian; cries at Romeo and Juliet; shows more feeling than Flora.
- Fergus MacIvor
Mentioned as seeking to marry Rose; adept at flute; declares Mercutio the only man of spirit in the play.
- Evan Dhu Maccombich
Follows Fergus; comments on the fight in Romeo and Juliet; tells the anecdote of Duncan MacGirdie's mare.
Key passages
“I am the very child of caprice”
Waverley calls himself fickle and impulsive.
Opens the chapter, setting the theme of Waverley's indecision.
“And then will canker sorrow eat her bud, And chase the native beauty from her cheek; And she will look as hollow as a ghost, And dim and meagre as an ague fit, And so she’ll die.”
Waverley imagines Rose pining away if neglected by Fergus.
Shows Waverley's concern for Rose's future and his poetic imagination.
“Love will subsist on wonderfully little hope, but not altogether without it.”
Flora argues that love requires at least some hope to survive.
Flora's rational view of love contrasts with romantic idealism.