The Lady of the Lake

By Walter Scott

1810

First Published

3.86

Average Rating

296

Number of Pages

8H59M

Audio Length

"The Lady of the Lake" by Sir Walter Scott is a narrative poem written in the early 19th century, which weaves a tale rich in Scottish history and romance. Set against the backdrop of Loch Katrine and the Highlands, the narrative revolves around the themes of love, loyalty, and conflict, prominently featuring characters such as the noble and sagacious Sir Roderick Dhu, his beloved Ellen Douglas, and the gallant knight James Fitz-James. The opening of "The Lady of the Lake" introduces readers to a vivid Highland setting and the gripping imagery of a hunt, as a stag evades a determined pursuer. Sir Roderick Dhu is established as a significant figure whose pride is closely entwined with his love for Ellen. As the hunt unfolds, with the sounds of hounds, horses, and excitement in the air, a stranger appears on the scene—James Fitz-James—who soon encounters Ellen on the shores of Loch Katrine. This encounter lays the groundwork for the ensuing drama, as tensions between clans and the weight of duty will intertwine with the budding romance. The richly descriptive language and introduction of these characters suggest a blend of adventure and emotional depth to come in the unfolding tale.

Avg Rating

3.86

Number of Ratings

1,534

5 STARS

28%

4 STARS

39%

3 STARS

27%

2 STARS

1 STARS

goodreads

Author

Walter Scott

Author · 76 books

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. British writer Sir Walter Scott popularized and refined a genre of ballads and historical novels; his works include Waverley (1814) and Ivanhoe (1819). Sir Walter Alva Scott created and called a series. Scott arranged the plots and characters so that the reader enters into the lives of great and ordinary persons, caught in violent, dramatic changes. Work of Scott shows the influence of the 18th century Enlightenment. He thought of every basically decent human, regardless of class, religion, politics, or ancestry. A major theme tolerates. They express his theory in the need for social progress that rejects not the traditions of the past. He first portrayed peasant characters sympathetically and realistically and equally justly portrayed merchants, soldiers, and even kings. In central themes, cultures conflict and oppose. Normans and Saxons warred. In The Talisman (1825), Christians and Muslims conflict. He deals with clashes between the new English and the old Scottish culture. Other great include Old Mortality (1816), The Heart of Midlothian (1819), and Saint Ronan's Well (1824). His series includes Rob Roy (1817), A Legend of Montrose (1819), and Quentin Durward (1823). Amiability, generosity, and modesty made Scott popular with his contemporaries. He also famously entertained on a grand scale at Abbotsford, his Scottish estate.