Ruins in Sir Walter Scott’s Historical Novel: A Case of Diachronic Interpretation of Architecture

Architectural ruins present diametrical relationships between the past and the present. This paper traces this function of architecture and identifying its pedigree in the nineteenth century, in which literary authors, artists, and stage managers incorporated buildings’ depictions to feed the historical imagination. In particular, it discusses the role architectural ruins played in Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel, referring to his 'Kenilworth: A Romance.'