A Morbid History of Bonnie Prince Charlie

         Waverley introduced us to a wide variety of characters. From the opposition of Flora and Rose, to Fergus, Baron Bradwardine, and Cecelia Stubbs, it is without question that Sir Walter Scott provided his readers with an entertaining bunch. However, I thought one of the most interesting characters was Bonnie Prince Charlie, and thought it was cool to see him fictionalized in the novel. I was also surprised to learn that “the 

Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1785 

young pretender” died in Rome. After doing some more digging, I found that his death was even more involved than I initially thought. The prince had a long history of medical problems, and was so sick he was given the sacraments in 1783, five years before he actually passed away. While he ultimately died of a stroke, Charles Edward Stuart had asthma, high blood pressure, and swollen legs, the last of which required him to be carried to and from his carriage. He also suffered from alcoholism. If it couldn’t get worse for the Prince, or those around him, he only had one child survive infancy, an “illegitimate” daughter he had through an affair, and later, when he married, his marriage ended in separation/divorce

The Prince’s, His Father’s, and His Brother’s Tomb

without any heirs. When Bonnie Prince Charlie did die on January 30th, 1788, his day of death was altered to the 31st because the Cardinals believed it was unlucky for him to have died on the same day as his great-grandfather. Then, he was originally buried at Frascati Cathedral, but was later moved to St.Peter’s Basilica so his remains would be with those of his brother and father. This seems like a nice ending to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s story, and it is, but it also comes with an unexpected twist. Charles’s heart remained at Frascati Cathedral, where it is interred in an urn under a monument. The more you know!

Names of Waverley

Something that I have found particularly interesting in Waverley is the similarities and differences between Flora and Rose. Despite the fact that both characters have nature inspired names, their personalities could not be more different. Rose fits her namesake, as she is happy, elegant and demure. On the other hand, Flora is arguably more accomplished, patriotic, and melancholic. Rose was spoiled growing up, with her wishes frequently filled by her father, and Flora experienced economic hardships. This difference is especially highlighted because the two were good friends growing up until Flora’s family fell deep into poverty. 

       Clearly polar opposites, Rose and Flora also find themselves in a love triangle with Waverley. This is also an interesting point of comparison because everyone involved seems to have unrequited feelings or no feelings at all. Rose is interested in Waverley whose affections are directed to Flora, but she really could not care less that he is interested. I especially appreciate this aspect of the novel because I think it breaks up the historically based dialogue

      Another interesting (and probably entirely unrelated) aspect of Rose and Flora’s names is their tie to the story of Sleeping Beauty. In the Grimm Brothers version, Sleeping Beauty’sname is Briar Rose, and in the  animated depiction of her character in the Disney edition, she has blonde hair and fair skin, much like Rose in Waverley. Additionally, in the Disney adaptation, the most assertive and headstrong of the three fairies that assist Sleeping Beauty is named Flora. Again, this is probably not of any relation, but I thought it was cool to see the mirroring of names and character traits!

Introduction

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sarah, and I’m a senior English 4+1 education major. I can’t wait to get to know everyone in class, and I’m really looking forward to traveling! Because this is an introductory post, it seems fitting to share a few fun facts about myself. For a start, I have a twin brother, and before you ask, we aren’t identical and I’m ‘older’ by few minutes! I also have the ability to find 4 leaf clover’s easily, had a pet aquatic snail named Dog, and love Taylor Swift. 

While I have been to London before, I have yet to travel to Scotland or Ireland, so this trip is an exciting opportunity. Because of Covid, this is my second attempt at an FSAT trip with Mercyhurst, so I’m glad everything has been smooth sailing so far. In addition to all of our scheduled excursions, I’m looking forward to seeing the Greyfriars Bobby statue in Edinburgh, some of the Harry Potter sites in London, and Phoenix Park in Dublin. Evidently, there are wild deer there! I would also like to ride the London Eye, because I was too afraid to the last time I was in London.

See you all in class!

- Sarah