Redgauntlet
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| Author | Sir Walter Scott |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Waverley Novels |
| Genre(s) | Historical novel |
| Publisher | |
| Released | 1824 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| ISBN | NA |
Redgauntlet is an historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, set in Scotland in the 1760s in Dumfries. It was published in 1824.
Contents |
[edit] Plot summary
The novel's hero is a young man named Darsie Latimer. Early in the novel he is kidnapped by Edward Redgauntlet, and taken to a village in Dumfries. Darsie's friend Alan Fairford sets out to rescue him. After much intrigue Darsie discovers that Redgauntlet is his uncle, and he is also reunited with his sister. He also discovers that a number of prominent Jacobites, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young Pretender) himself are staying in the village. Redgauntlet has summoned them all to start a new Jacobite rebellion, and he wants Darsie to join them. Redgauntlet discovers that his fellow Jacobites are not as committed as he, and their stated objection is that they suspect the Prince's mistress, Clementina Walkinshaw of being a spy. During these discussions, General Campbell arrives amongst them to announce that he and the government know what the conspirators are up to. The Prince is allowed to go into exile, and his followers peacefully disperse. Redgauntlet, seeing that the Jacobite cause is now well and truly lost joins the Prince in exile. Darsie is set free having always remained loyal to the current king, and Alan marries his sister.
[edit] Literary significance & criticism
One of the major highlights of the novel is Wandering Willie's Tale. Wandering Willie is a wandering musician and the narrator of the tale. It is a ghost story with the climax being an encounter between Willie's grandfather, Steenie Steenson and the ghost of his landlord Robert Redgauntlet (Hugh's grandfather). All of the supernatural events have rational explanations which Willie mentions but vehemently denies. Wandering Willie's Tale is a great short story in its own right.
[edit] Allusions/references to actual history, geography and current science
The novel's plot is of course fictional, but according to Scott's introduction written in 1832 it was inspired by a genuine visit by Bonnie Prince Charlie to London in 1750. See also Devil's Beef Tub
