Presidential Perspectives

Summary of the Article:

The article reflects on Sir Walter Scott as seen through the eyes of past Presidents of The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club. Silvester explores the viewpoints of six influential individuals: Sir Herbert Grierson, Hesketh Pearson, C.S. Lewis, Sir Hugh Walpole, Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, and John Buchan. These men were not only literary scholars but also figures who greatly admired Scott and contributed to our understanding of him.

1. Introduction: Silvester highlights the shared qualities of these six men, such as their scholarship, war experience, and a traditional approach to literature, contrasting it with the growing cerebral and dogmatic literary criticism of their time.
2. Sir Herbert Grierson (1866-1960): Grierson, an esteemed scholar, emphasizes Scott's contribution to English literature, particularly in his edition of Scott's letters. He criticizes Carlyle's misunderstanding of Scott, especially regarding his character and style. Grierson praises Scott for his blend of practical and imaginative interests and stresses that Scott's writing transcended mere entertainment.
3. Hesketh Pearson (1887-1960): Pearson, a biographer and actor, focuses on Scott's personal life, his virtues, and his humanity. He discusses Scott's Toryism and deference to rank, emphasizing his respect for tradition over modern social changes. Pearson defends Scott against accusations of snobbery and highlights his modesty and practicality in personal affairs.
4. C.S. Lewis (1898-1963): Lewis, famous for The Chronicles of Narnia, discusses Scott’s portrayal of life and his role as an entertainer rather than a moral commentator. Lewis defends Scott’s work as a product of artistic integrity, emphasizing his honesty in writing and his avoidance of self-indulgence, which marked the literary conscience of modern writers.
5. Sir Hugh Walpole (1884-1941): Walpole reflects on Scott's fall from popularity, acknowledging how literary tastes have shifted. He emphasizes Scott’s powerful portrayal of Scotland and the universal qualities of his novels. Walpole criticizes the literary elitism that caused Scott’s decline but calls for a reappreciation of his works.
6. Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944): Known for his affection towards Scott, Quiller-Couch highlights Scott's sincerity and contrasts his romanticism with the emerging realism of the 19th century. He praises Scott’s insight into human nature and defends him against critics who reduce him to mere sentimentality. Quiller-Couch stresses Scott's standing as a figure of great literary value.
7. John Buchan (1875-1940): Buchan, who had a strong connection to Scott due to their shared Scottish heritage, emphasizes Scott’s blend of imagination and realism. He defends Scott’s sense of common sense and practicality, offering a detailed analysis of Scott’s characters and his writing style. Buchan sees Scott’s work as timeless and deeply humane, and he considers his character as central to his enduring appeal.

Interesting Points:

• Timelessness of Scott's Work: Many of the past Presidents note that despite Scott’s fall from critical favour in the 20th century, his works still have much to offer, with some predicting a resurgence in appreciation.
• Scott’s Humanity: A recurring theme is Scott’s personal character—his modesty, kindness, and practical nature. These qualities contrast with the idealized or romanticized portrayals often given to literary figures.
• Scott’s Impact on Literature: The article discusses how Scott was a foundational figure in literature, blending realism with romanticism, and how his work was instrumental in shaping narrative fiction in a way that was accessible to ordinary readers.
• Criticism of Modern Literary Trends: The article critiques the cerebral and theoretical nature of modern literary criticism, which contrasts with the humane, artistic, and accessible approach of Scott and his contemporaries.

This article offers a rich exploration of Scott through the lens of influential literary figures, reinforcing the importance of understanding him not just as a writer, but as a man whose character and worldview continue to resonate.

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