Waverley

“Alas! while he was thus permitted to read only for the gratification of his amusement, he foresaw not that he was losing for ever the opportunity of acquiring habits of firm and assiduous application, of gaining the art of controlling, directing, and concentrating the powers of his mind for earnest investigation—an art far more essential than even that intimate acquaintance with classical learning which is the primary object of study.”

This early quote describes Edward’s education and how reading for pleasure was generally viewed at this time. Edward’s lack of focus in his education influences him throughout the novel, preventing him from the military training he is to undertake. Yet his curiosity and interest in romance ultimately lead him to experiences that improve his understanding of the world.

“‘And, Edward, my dear boy, remember also that you are the last of that race, and the only hope of its revival depends upon you […] but you will remember your duty to God, the Church of England, and the—’ (this breach ought to have been supplied, according to the rubric, with the word ‘king;’ but as, unfortunately, that word conveyed a double and embarrassing sense, one meaning de facto and the other de jure, the knight filled up the blank otherwise)—‘the Church of England, and all constituted authorities.’”

Sir Everard tells this to Edward just before he is to leave for Scotland. This quote emphasizes Edward’s role in the Waverley family and how much their reputation depends upon him. The aside from the narrator in the latter half of this quote also satirizes the argument between the Jacobites and Hanoverians and foreshadows the contention about who the rightful king of Britain should be.

“But in Scotland it was utter darkness; and, excepting a sorrowful, scattered, and persecuted remnant, the pulpits were abandoned to Presbyterians, and, he feared, to sectaries of every description. It should be his duty to fortify his dear pupil to resist such unhallowed and pernicious doctrines in church and state as must necessarily be forced at times upon his unwilling ears.”

This quote highlights Edward’s tutor’s views about the Scots and how his political and religious convictions make him prejudiced. Mr. Pembroke’s remarks to Edward about Scotland align with some contemporary assumptions about the country and its people, and this quote shows the kind of stereotyping Edward was exposed to before learning firsthand about the Scots.