Abstract
This essay revisits Scott’s theory of “the force of…narrative” and argues that the elaborate paratexts of his early Waverley novels constitute an expression of (and experiment in) that theory. In his early Waverley novels and book review essays, Scott joined his contemporaries in grappling with the demise of classical rhetoric, elaborating a theory of narrative force by rethinking the two dominant Romantic conceptions of force: military force and rhetorical force. This essay thus reveals some overlooked origins of Scott’s innovative form of historical fiction and his theory of the novel.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
