Waverley · Chapter
XXXVI: More Explanation explained
At dawn, the Baron leads Waverley through the glen, explaining that he can safely stay at Tully-Veolan by posing as a surveyor.
What happens
At dawn, the Baron leads Waverley through the glen, explaining that he can safely stay at Tully-Veolan by posing as a surveyor. The Baron shows his hiding place in a cave and speaks with stoic composure about his misfortunes. Later, Janet reveals that Rose Bradwardine bribed Donald Bean Lean to rescue Waverley, using her mother's jewels, and that Alice restored the incriminating papers. The Prince had intended Waverley for Rose, not Flora, and Fergus's jealousy over the earldom and marriage proposals is clarified. Waverley resolves to live for Rose and seeks Bailie Macwheeble.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Duty
The Baron endures his misfortunes with composure, stating he did his duty, and the Prince acts neutrally to maintain harmony in his army.
Romanticism vs. Reality
Waverley's romantic rescue by Rose contrasts with the gritty reality of bribery and military threats; his idealized plans for the future are grounded in practical considerations.
Loyalty and Allegiance
The Baron's loyalty to the Jacobite cause persists despite his losses, while Donald Bean Lean's loyalty is swayed by jewels and self-interest.
Characters to notice
- Baron of Bradwardine
Leads Waverley through the glen, explains his hiding place in a cave, and stoically endures his misfortunes.
- Edward Waverley
Accompanies the Baron, learns of Rose's role in his rescue, and resolves to marry her.
- Janet Gellatley
Wakes the Baron at dawn and later narrates the story of Rose's rescue and the Prince's intentions.
- Rose Bradwardine
Bribed Donald Bean Lean with her mother's jewels to rescue Waverley.
- Donald Bean Lean
Rescued Waverley after being bribed by Rose; swore secrecy on his dirk.
- Fergus MacIvor
Quarreled with Waverley over Flora; his double suit for a wife and earldom was rejected by the Prince.
- Flora MacIvor
The Prince observed her behavior toward Waverley and concluded she had no interest in him.
- Prince Charles Edward Stuart
Intended Waverley for Rose, not Flora; rejected Fergus's suit and remained neutral in the rivalry.
Key passages
“I did what I thought my duty, and questionless they are doing what they think theirs.”
The Baron accepts that both he and his enemies acted according to their own sense of duty.
Reflects the Baron's stoic acceptance of his fate.
“We poor Jacobites are now like the conies in Holy Scripture... a feeble people, that make our abode in the rocks.”
The Baron compares the Jacobites to weak creatures hiding in rocky shelters.
Highlights the Baron's humility and the precarious state of the Jacobites.
“To Rose Bradwardine, then, he owed the life which he now thought he could willingly have laid down to serve her.”
Waverley realizes Rose saved his life and feels he would gladly die for her.
Shows Waverley's gratitude and growing affection for Rose.