Chapters 28-72:
Choose three scenes of 3-6 pages each for close analysis. Scenes chosen should have some dramatic content, and at least one should be from the final segment of the novel.
How is the scene arranged to heighten elements of drama or suspense?
What are some of the political/social implicatons of the scene?
What is the relation of this scene to the novel's wider plot? For scenes from the final portion of the book, how does this scene help provide closure?
To what exent is it built around contrasts?
What are important elements of style and language?
Does the scene contain elements of humor/irony/pathos?
General topics for discussion:
autobiographical features of the main character of Waverley: (not warlike, poetic, sometimes absent-minded, a respecter of laws and property)
closure: social meaning of ending, appropriateness of fates meted out to respective chracters in prviding closure effect of author's postsript
elements of plot: two friend plot; male friendship and bonding; fathers, surrogate fathers and parricide; female friendship
plot: romance plot; stereotypical or conventional features of plot; elements of realism in plot, effect on reader of use of historical events known to audience; emphasis on delineation of character
values or opinions implicit in narrative: views of the Highlands and Highland cultures, Waverley's opinions about war and the Stuart rebellion, views of religion and religious controversy, definitions of regional prejudice, views of ideal family structure and gender relations, views of legal justice and the rule of law
identity formation: How would you characterize Waverley as a hero? How does he develop an adult sense of identity? What are turning points in this self-definition? What are some narrative tests of his "character"? Is this a bildungsroman?