Blog 3

 Something that has stood out to me in our recent readings of Waverly is the unique narrative style that is similar to other classic novels that I have read, such as Tom Jones and Tristram Shandy. The narrator adopts a cocky tone of sorts in which he tells the reader that if they do not like what they are reading, then they should stop reading the novel. This is something unique to this type of novel, and I appreciate the candor. Talking about the book itself in the novel is a style of writing that is very outdated, and it seems like breaking the 4th wall today. I am still determining how I feel about it or how I would feel if modern authors chose to adopt this method. It would receive backlash in today's reading community since it does seem slightly distracting from the plot; isn't the whole point of a novel to become so enraptured in the plot that you forget it's fictional?

Besides this little detail that has been sticking out to me, I also can't help but notice how unlikeable Waverly is. The parts of this novel that I enjoy are the historical aspects, and the Scottish appeal. However, I find myself unable to connect with Waverly, which, after reading some reviews online, is a common trend. I think that since he is 'wavering' so much and cannot seem to pick a set personality or character to show himself as, I find it difficult to relate to him in any way besides the fact that we both seem to be persistently inconsistent in our identities. I also get frustrated with his character in instances such as the love triangle with Flora and Rose, in which Flora has quite passionately turned him down a few times, and Rose has been there the whole time, observing how he interacts with others in an attempt to know him deeper. Rose is so clearly the one he should be pursuing, and yet he finds himself disinterested in her due to his infatuation with Flora. 

Overall, I have been enjoying this novel for the Scottish setting and for the way it is teaching me more about the history of the Jacobite rising than any novel has done, but I am disappointed with the development of the character of Waverly. Many people view his character as one of great growth from the beginning to the end of the novel, and because we still have quite a few chapters to go, maybe my opinion will change. 

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