Chapter XXV: Canto IV: The Prophecy

Give the main themes in this canto.

1. Return of Malise
2. Norman's guard
3. The augury and the prophecy
4. Return of Fitz-James to Ellen Douglas
5. The ring
6. Blanche of Devan
7. Death of Murdoch
8. Fitz-James meets Roderick Dhu.

What are the best stanzas? The ballad of "Alice
Brand".

Why is this ballad introduced? It shows the
character of Scottish minstrelsy, the belief in
the world of fairies, and the lesson of hope
that at the darkest moment the hour of
happiness may be near. It furnishes another
example of Allanbane's prophetic insight.

The introduction: "The rose is fairest when it
is budding new." Why is this stanza
appropriate? It shows the tenderness of
Norman's love, as contrasted with the fierce
warfare in which he is engaged.

Why is Blanche of Devan introduced? To furnish
an example of Roderick's cruelty, so that
Fitz-James should feel justified in punishing
him. Blanche of Devan also warns Fitz-James of
Murdoch's treachery. This stanza explains the
allusions in the lesson in the _Fourth Book_,
for example: "a braid of your fair lady's
hair", and "There lies red Murdoch stark and
stiff".

What characteristics of Roderick are shown in
the canto?

1. His care for the defenceless in his clan
2. His cruelty to his enemies
3. His hospitality
4. His superstition.

What was the prophecy?

Who spills the foremost foeman's life
That party conquers in the strife.

What is the value of the prophecy in the poem?
It furnishes a reason for the eagerness of the
clansmen to take the life of the huntsman, as
the former would then "conquer in the strife".