Scott's Wandering Tales

Daniel Cook’s lecture focused on Walter Scott’s shorter fiction, particularly his interpolated tales, which he termed “wandering tales”. The talk examined how these stories function independently while influencing their host novels. Cook concentrated on “Wandering Willie’s Tale”, extracted from Redgauntlet (1824), as one of the earliest modern Scottish short stories and an example of Scott’s masterful blending of folklore, supernatural elements, and historical reflection.

Key Themes of the Lecture:

1. Scott’s Shorter Fiction and the Concept of Wandering Tales

• Scott wrote many short stories embedded in his novels, which could be read as standalone pieces but also influenced the larger narrative.
• Cook termed these “wandering tales”, as they:
• Are digressive but essential to the novel’s structure.
• Often contain symbolism that becomes significant later.
• Are delivered by fictional storytellers within the novel, reinforcing oral tradition.
• Notable wandering tales in Scott’s works include:
• The Fortunes of Martin Waldeck (The Antiquary, 1816).
• Phantasmagoria and Alarming Increase of Depravity Among Animals (Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, 1817-18).
• Donnerhugel’s Narrative (Anne of Geierstein, 1829).
• The unfinished novella Bizarro (1831).
• Chronicles of the Canongate (1827), a collection of loosely connected stories.

2. “Wandering Willie’s Tale” as a Model of the Wandering Tale

• First published within Redgauntlet (1824), but frequently anthologized as a standalone short story.
• Considered one of the first modern Scottish short stories.
• Mixes Gothic horror, oral tradition, and social commentary.
• Explores themes of history, justice, and storytelling.

3. The Role of Storytelling in “Wandering Willie’s Tale”

• Willie is introduced as a master storyteller, with musical and narrative skills.
• The story is framed within Redgauntlet as a digression, but has deep relevance to the novel’s themes.
• Orality vs. Textuality:
• Though framed as an oral tale, it is carefully constructed in text.
• Darsie Latimer, one of Redgauntlet’s protagonists, listens as a law student seeking amusement, but later realizes the story’s deeper significance.

4. The Plot of “Wandering Willie’s Tale”

The story follows Steenie Steenson, Willie’s grandfather, as he seeks justice after being accused of unpaid rent by Sir John Redgauntlet, whose father Sir Robert has recently died.

Key Events:

1. The Death of Sir Robert Redgauntlet
2. A cruel landlord and anti-Covenanter, Sir Robert dies suddenly, screaming about hellfire.
3. His loyal butler, Dougal MacCallum, insists on remaining in his service even after his death.
4. Steenie’s Accusation
5. Sir John Redgauntlet (the son) claims Steenie never paid his rent and demands proof.
6. Steenie protests, but no receipt can be found.
7. Steenie’s Journey to the Underworld
8. A mysterious stranger leads him to a supernatural version of Redgauntlet Castle.
9. Inside, Sir Robert’s ghost hosts a ghoulish gathering, surrounded by historical figures and demons.
10. Sir Robert gives Steenie a receipt, proving his payment, but warns he must return in one year.
11. The Aftermath
12. Steenie presents the receipt to Sir John, who is shocked to see it is dated after his father’s death.
13. Sir John believes the tale but burns the evidence to avoid tarnishing the Redgauntlet name.
14. Willie reflects on the reliability of oral storytelling, as different versions of the tale circulate.

5. The Significance of the Tale

(i) Symbolism and Historical Reflection

• The story reflects the decay of feudal paternalism, showing the power landlords held over tenants.
• Echoes the political tensions in Redgauntlet, where Darsie Latimer struggles with inherited obligations.
• Steenie’s adventure parallels Darsie’s journey in the novel, reinforcing thematic connections.

(ii) Supernatural and Gothic Elements

• The tale’s hellish imagery and ghostly figures add to its Gothic atmosphere.
• Hell, fire, and the devil symbolize corrupt authority and injustice.
• The ambiguity of the ghostly events leaves the audience questioning what was real.

(iii) The Role of Oral Tradition

• The story is not just entertainment but a powerful vehicle for truth.
• Different characters interpret it differently, showing how stories evolve based on their tellers.
• The tale reemerges later in Redgauntlet, proving its structural importance.

Interesting Points from the Lecture

1. Scott’s Short Story Influence
2. Wandering Willie’s Tale is one of the earliest Scottish short stories, influencing modern Scottish literature.
3. Scott’s shorter works are often overlooked compared to his novels.
4. The Complexity of “Oral” Tales
5. Though presented as oral storytelling, the tale is carefully crafted in text, blending oral tradition with written narrative.
6. Raises questions about who controls history—the writer or the storyteller?.
7. The Tale’s Connection to Redgauntlet
8. The devilish imagery and themes of inheritance reflect Darsie Latimer’s personal struggles.
9. The Redgauntlet family’s troubled history mirrors the broader history of Scotland.
10. Unreliable Storytelling
11. Steenie’s story is questioned and altered by different characters.
12. Even at the end, we don’t know the full truth—was it supernatural, or just a clever lie?
13. Highlights the tension between legend and reality.
14. Scott’s Narrative Techniques
15. Scott interweaves multiple voices and perspectives, making even digressive stories deeply meaningful.
16. His use of nested storytelling (stories within stories) influenced later writers like Robert Louis Stevenson and James Hogg.

Conclusion

Daniel Cook’s lecture showcased Wandering Willie’s Tale as one of Scott’s most important short stories, illustrating his mastery of blending folklore, history, and fiction. While the tale appears to be a digressive ghost story, it is actually central to Redgauntlet, reinforcing themes of justice, inheritance, and storytelling. Scott’s use of “wandering tales” highlights his innovation in short fiction, making him a pioneer of the Scottish short story tradition.