Sir Walter Scott: A Literary Portrait

Early Life Sir Walter Scott was born on August 15, 1771, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His parents, Walter Scott Sr. and Anne Rutherford, provided him with a rich literary environment. However, his early life was marked by a bout of polio, which had a significant impact on his upbringing. To aid in his recovery, his parents sent him to live with his paternal grandparents, where he immersed himself in Scottish border stories and developed a love for reading, drama, poetry, and historical romances. These formative years laid the foundation for his future career as a writer. Education Scott's education began under the guidance of his aunt, who taught him reading, writing, and speech patterns. He later returned to his parents and received private tutoring to prepare for formal schooling. In 1778, he attended the Royal High School in Edinburgh, where he excelled academically. His passion for reading led him to explore chivalric romances, history, poetry, and travel literature. After completing …