“Waverley” or “’Tis Sixty Years Since” the first novel by Sir Walter Scott tells the story of Edward Waverley who gets involved in the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The novel tells about authentic battles during the rebellion and is therefore considered the first historic novel ever written. Published anonymously on 7 July 1814 it took not only Edinburgh but also the rest of Great Britain by storm and proved a popular sensation. It guided the way following generations wrote and understood history. The enormous impact as the prototypical English historical novel soon made it the most successful work of its kind and for the first time in history the novel became a respectable form.
On that account this assessment will have a closer look at the creation and success of the novel “Waverley” by Sir Walter Scott, by giving an overview over the impact it had when it was published, the publisher and printer and the author himself and analysing the reasons for its success and fast dissemination. The paper will close with a summary and conclusion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Author
- 3. Publishing and Printing
- 4. Impact and Critics
- 5. Influences on the novel
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This assessment aims to examine the creation and phenomenal success of Sir Walter Scott's "Waverley," the first of his "Waverley Novels." It will explore the novel's impact upon publication, the roles of the author, publisher, and printer, and analyze the factors contributing to its rapid dissemination.
- The impact of "Waverley" as the first historical novel.
- The role of the author, Sir Walter Scott, and his prior works.
- The publishing and printing process and its influence on the novel's success.
- Critical reception and public response to "Waverley."
- Factors influencing the novel's rapid dissemination.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by introducing "Waverley" as Sir Walter Scott's groundbreaking first novel, highlighting its significance as the first historical novel and its immediate and lasting impact on the literary landscape. It outlines the scope of the assessment, focusing on the novel's creation, success, and the roles played by the author, publisher, and printer in its phenomenal reception. The chapter concludes with a preview of the subsequent analysis.
2. The Author: This chapter provides biographical details of Sir Walter Scott, emphasizing his background, education, and career progression, showing how his experiences and prior literary accomplishments shaped the context of "Waverley." It traces Scott's journey from a successful poet with publications like "The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border," "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," and "The Lady of the Lake" to the internationally renowned novelist whose "Waverley" marked a turning point in his career. It also touches upon his later years and the financial challenges he faced, highlighting the pressures that influenced his prolific writing.
3. Publishing and Printing: This chapter delves into the publication and printing of "Waverley," focusing on the collaboration between Scott, his printer John Ballantyne, and publisher Archibald Constable. The rapid production of the novel and its anonymous publication are highlighted, showing the unusual speed in which the novel went from completed manuscript to bestseller. The financial success of the first edition and subsequent print runs demonstrates the public demand and the swift recognition of Scott's work, even under an anonymous authorship. This further demonstrates the success and subsequent financial implications of the publishing process.
4. Impact and Critics: This chapter examines the diverse critical and public reception of "Waverley." It details the overwhelmingly positive responses from both critics and readers, praising the novel's originality, historical accuracy, vibrant characterizations, and engaging writing style. However, it also acknowledges some dissenting voices, providing examples of criticisms leveled at the novel. The chapter underscores the extent of the novel's impact on contemporary culture and the evolution of the literary sphere. The contrasting opinions illustrate the complexity of critical reception and offer a nuanced understanding of the novel's immediate influence.
5. Influences on the novel: This chapter explores the factors that contributed to "Waverley's" rapid dissemination and lasting impact. It discusses the impact of the novel's incredibly quick publication and the influence of word-of-mouth marketing. It also analyzes the role of Scott's established reputation as a poet, and the influence of his publisher. By examining these multiple aspects, this chapter offers a holistic understanding of the forces that propelled "Waverley" to such immediate and lasting success.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sir Walter Scott, Waverley, historical novel, Scottish literature, publishing, printing, critical reception, literary impact, Jacobite rebellion, 19th-century novel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sir Walter Scott's "Waverley"
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Sir Walter Scott's "Waverley," including its context, creation, publication, reception, and lasting impact. It serves as a structured analysis of the novel, suitable for academic use. The document includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the analysis of "Waverley"?
The analysis explores several key areas: the author's biography and previous works; the publishing and printing process; the novel's impact on contemporary culture and literary trends; critical reception, both positive and negative; and the factors contributing to its rapid dissemination and enduring success. The document also highlights the novel's significance as the first historical novel.
What is included in the "Table of Contents"?
The table of contents outlines the structure of the analysis: an introduction, a chapter on the author (Sir Walter Scott), a chapter on the publishing and printing process, a chapter on the impact and critical reception of the novel, and a final chapter exploring the influences on the novel's success.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the impact of "Waverley" as the first historical novel; the role of Sir Walter Scott and his prior literary achievements; the publishing and printing process and its effect on the novel's success; the critical reception and public response; and the factors influencing the novel's rapid dissemination.
What are the chapter summaries?
Each chapter summary provides a concise overview of its content. Chapter 1 introduces "Waverley" and its significance. Chapter 2 details Sir Walter Scott's biography and literary career. Chapter 3 focuses on the publication and printing process, highlighting the rapid production and anonymous publication of the novel. Chapter 4 examines the critical reception, including both praise and criticism. Chapter 5 explores the factors contributing to "Waverley's" widespread success, including the role of Scott's reputation and the publishing process.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Sir Walter Scott, Waverley, historical novel, Scottish literature, publishing, printing, critical reception, literary impact, Jacobite rebellion, and 19th-century novel.
What is the overall assessment of "Waverley" presented in this document?
The document presents a balanced assessment of "Waverley," acknowledging both its phenomenal success and the complexities of its creation and reception. It highlights the novel's groundbreaking nature as the first historical novel and its lasting influence on literature. It also considers the roles of the author, publisher, and printer in contributing to its success.
For whom is this analysis intended?
This analysis is intended for academic use, providing a structured and professional examination of themes related to Sir Walter Scott's "Waverley".
- Quote paper
- Kathl Morgenstern (Author), 2008, Sir Walter Scott's "Waverly", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148313
