Waverley · Chapter
IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs explained
Edward Waverley explores the grounds of Tully-Veolan, encountering the eccentric Davie Gellatley and the butler, and learns about local customs while waiting to meet the Baron of Bradwardine.
What happens
Edward Waverley explores the grounds of Tully-Veolan, encountering the eccentric Davie Gellatley and the butler, and learns about local customs while waiting to meet the Baron of Bradwardine.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, Waverley reaches an emotional and psychological peak as he violently oscillates between self-…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Social Class and Hierarchy
The butler's pride in his position and the distinction between servants and gentry are highlighted.
- Identity and Belonging
Waverley's curiosity about the estate and its inhabitants reflects his search for a place in this unfamiliar world.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Explores the manor-house and garden, meets Davie Gellatley and the butler.
- Davie Gellatley
A natural fool who guides Edward through the garden with odd gestures and songs.
- Rose Bradwardine
Mentioned as the young mistress; her flowerbed is being dressed by the butler.
- Baron of Bradwardine
The master of the house, currently with workers at the dark hag.
- Bailie Macwheeble
Referenced as inferior to the butler in the household hierarchy.
Key passages
“When ’gan he loudly through the house to call, But no man cared to answer to his cry; There reign’d a solemn silence over all, Nor voice was heard, nor wight was seen in bower or hall.”
He called loudly through the house, but no one answered; a deep silence prevailed, and no person was seen anywhere.
Waverley's initial attempt to gain entry to the manor-house is met with silence, echoing a scene from Spenser's Faerie Queene.
“False love, and hast thou play’d me this In summer among the flowers? I will repay thee back again In winter among the showers.”
Deceptive love, you have tricked me in the summer among flowers; I will get my revenge in winter among the rain showers.
Davie Gellatley sings a Scottish ditty about love and betrayal.
