Waverly Blog #1

    The first volume of Waverly introduced us to many characters and adventures of Waverly himself. The main character introductions surround the different women in Waverly’s life. Some of these women include Stubbs, Rose, and Flora. Upon the first introductions it is obvious that the names describe the characters. Stubbs is the first love interest introduced. She is introduced as “By far the most passable was Miss Sissly, or, as she rather chose to be called. Miss Caecilia Stubbs, daughter of Squire Stubbs at the Grange,” (Scott 21). She is described as merely passable and her nickname “Stubbs” implies she is nothing special in comparison to his other interests we meet farther on. Next, we are introduced to Rose who has an entire chapter dedicated to her introduction. She is said to “deserve better of her unworthy historian, than to be introduced at the end of a chapter,” (Scott 44). Scott described Rose in such a way that she signifies what her name symbolizes. A rose is a symbol of beauty, innocence, love, and England. Finally, we are introduced to Flora who is Waverly’s newest and most enticing love interest. She is presented at the end of volume 1. Flora is described as “soft and sweet, ‘an excellent thing in a woman,’ … she often pursued with natural eloquence,” (Scott 110). Waverly is taken by Flora who is a symbol of flowers, natural beauty, and Scotland. 

    There is a comparison to be made between Rose and Flora. Waverly is indecisive with his feelings toward his love interests. Rose and Flora are representative between Scotland and England. In this story England is seen as good and Scotland is bad. Thus, Rose is the “better” or “safer” choice for Waverly to pursue but Waverly is awestruck with Flora. I believe Waverly’s indecisive nature relates back to his education. Waverly would read and engage in what peaked his interest. I think there is overlap when it comes to his love interests. Waverly was interested in Rose because she was foreign and new but he quickly got distracted by Flora. Flora is a distraction because she is from the Highlands of Scotland which is another new territory for Waverly to explore. I think Waverly’s interest is based more on the adventure that comes with each woman than the woman herself.  Lastly, he is wavering between Scotland and England which is indirectly described through his love interests. During the time this novel is set, there is a discussion about which beliefs are superior surrounding Scotland and England. Sir Walter Scott is trying to make an argument for both Scotland and England through his characters.