Ivanhoe

Critics have often regarded Ivanhoe as a more middling or “average” protagonist than many of the heroes one usually encounters in epic and romance. Unlike, for instance, the heroes of Greek mythology, Ivanhoe does not possess any exceptional or superhuman abilities or skills. Do you agree with this evaluation? How does Scott’s depiction of Ivanhoe reflect the broader thematic or historical concerns of the novel?

What is the role of chivalry in the novel? Consider characters such as Ivanhoe, Bois-Guilbert, and King Richard, who represent different aspects of Medieval chivalry. How do these characters illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of chivalry?

Discuss the relationship between religion and prejudice in the novel, considering especially the persecution of the Jewish characters Isaac and Rebecca throughout the novel. How does Scott use these characters to explore the long history of antisemitism in England?

What is the role of money and property in the novel? How does a character’s attitude toward money and property reflect their social standing?

Discuss Rebecca’s ambiguous feelings for Ivanhoe. How do Rebecca’s feelings impair her judgment? Does Ivanhoe return her feelings in any meaningful way?

What are some ways in which Richard figures in the tensions between the Saxons and Normans in England? What are some steps Richard takes (or promises to take) to improve relations between Saxons and Normans?

How is slavery represented in the novel? Consider especially the depiction of Cedric’s bondsmen Gurth and Wamba and their relationships to their enslaver.

In the novel’s Medieval setting, women are highly subordinated to men. What are some ways the novel’s female characters, including Rowena, Rebecca, and Ulrica, manage to show strength and/or independence?