# XXV: “To One Thing Constant Never” explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv-to-one-thing-constant-never
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters