Fiction Against History

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The interplay between fiction and historical reality is central to the Waverley novels, showcasing Walter Scott's awareness of their fictional nature. James Kerr explores the tension in Scott's work between the romancer, who reshapes past events through literary conventions, and the historian, who strives for accuracy. This unresolved contradiction, marked by a blend of romance and realism, reveals the intricate complexity within Scott's narratives, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between storytelling and historical representation.