Scotland, the Hebrides and the Isle of Skye
In the last part of “All Souls’” the narrator explains that Agnes, maid to the story’s protagonist Sara Clayburn, “[…] was from the Isle of Skye […],”[1] which is located in the Scottish Hebrides. Furthermore, the narrator claims that “[…] the Hebrides, as everyone knows, are full of the supernatural […].”[2] Moreover, the narrator elucidates that Sara Clayburn “[…] always said she could not believe that incidents which might fit into the desolate landscape of the Hebrides could occur in the cheerful and populous Connecticut valley.”[3] In addition, the foreign accent of the strange woman also indicates that she is not from New England. This suggests that she may possibly also be from the Hebrides. All in all, it is obvious that Wharton established a connection between the supernatural and the Hebrides in the story.
The country of Scotland is one of the four parts of the United Kingdom. It is located to the north of England, and covers about one third of the landmass of the island of Great Britain. The population of Scotland is 5,295,400 (2011) and the total area covers 77,928 square kilometers (30,414 square miles).[4] To the north and the west Scotland is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the North Sea. To the south Scotland borders England and is separated from it by the Tweed River, the Cheviot Hills, the Liddell River and Solway Firth. Scotland’s capital is Edinburgh; through Glasgow is the largest city. Besides the landmass, numerous surrounding islands belong to Scotland.[5]
The Hebrides are some of these islands. They are located off the West Atlantic Coast of Scotland. In total, they consist of more than 50 islands. Of these islands, less than a fifth are inhabited. The Hebrides are basically subdivided into the Inner Hebrides to the east and the Outer Hebrides to the west. The Outer Hebrides are separated from the Inner Hebrides and the main landmass of Scotland by the straits of Minch and Little Minch and also by the Sea of the Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides include the council area of Western Isles. The Inner Hebrides comprise, among others, the islands of Islay, Jura, Mull, Rùm and Skye.[6]
The Inner and Outer Hebrides:
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Hebridesmap.png (accessed March 26, 2015).
The Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island of the Inner Hebrides, with population of the island is 8,868 (1991). The Isle of Skye covers an area of 1,735 square kilometers (640 square miles). The center of the island is dominated by the Cuillin Hills that rise to more than 910 meters in height (3,255 feet). The chief industries of the Isle of Skye are sheep and cattle raising, wool weaving, whisky distillation and fishing. Agriculture does not play a significant role because only a small part of the island is cultivatable. The climate is mild, but characterized by heavy rainfall. In 1995 a bridge connecting the island to the mainland was opened.[7]
The mystical landscape of the Isle of Skye:
Source: http://pixdaus.com/classic-old-man-by-tom-z-landscape-old-man-of-storr-scotland/items/view/257535/ (accessed March 26, 2015).
Scotland is an area famous for its tales of ghosts and the supernatural.[8] Historically, “[…] the belief in evil spirits and spells was widely spread […]”[9] especially among the Highlanders.[10] Therefore, many references to witchcraft, sorcery, magic, demonology and alchemy can be found in Scottish history as well as in the country’s fiction. Supernatural fiction from Scotland often concerns, for example, the ability of “second sight,” an ability to perceive things beyond our limited senses. In many families, especially in the Scottish Highlands, there are still individuals considered to control such an occult ability. Nowadays, a degree in parapsychology can be obtained in Scotland. The University of Edinburgh even offers a doctorate program. Furthermore, ghost walks and haunted tours through castles and ancient hotels are widely offered to tourists.[11] Considering this background it becomes obvious why Edith Wharton chose Scotland, the Hebrides and the Isle of Skye as reference points for the supernatural in “All Souls’.”
[1] Edith Wharton, “All Souls’,” in: The Demanding Dead – More Stories of Terror and the Supernatural, ed. Peter Haining (London: Peter Owen Publishers, 2007), 206.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid., 207.
[4] Iseabail C. Macleod, Scotland, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/529440/Scotland (accessed March 26, 2015).
[5] The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., "Scotland," encyclopedia.com. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Scotland.html (accessed March 26, 2015).
[6] Ibid.
[7] The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., "Skye,” encyclopedia.com. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Skye.html (accessed March 26, 2015).
[8] Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, "Scotland," encyclopedia.com. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403804028.html (accessed March 26, 2015).
[9] Martin Rackwitz, Travels to terra incognita. The Scottish highlands and Hebrides in early modern travellers’ accounts c. 1600 to 1800, (New York: Waxmann, 2007), 521.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, "Scotland," encyclopedia.com. (accessed March 26, 2015).