Prejudices in Ivanhoe
Prejudice, a very powerful word, can be best defined as preconceived judgment or opinion. Many times prejudice targets various religious affiliations, such as people of the Jewish faith. In Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe, the many prejudices show strong abomination and hatred towards the Jews. After the Battle of Hastings and the Norman's conquest of England, much hostility lingers in the air. Three basic groups still exist: the Normans, Saxons, and Jews. The Normans and Saxons do not accept each other's presence. Both the Normans and the Saxons, however, despise the Jews. In the story of Ivanhoe, the Normans and Saxons take advantage of the Jews because they believe Jewish people are very wealthy. The Normans think the Jews increase, multiply, and accumulate large sums, then transfer it on to the next Jewish descendent. In Ivanhoe, when the Saxons meet at the Saxon home of Rotherwood, the Templar first meets Isaac the Jew and exclaims his impression of wealth: "...and to gull women and boys with gauds and toys: I warrant thee store of shekels in thy Jewish scrip..." (43). Isaac heatedly replies that he is an "impoverished wretch" and borrows even his clothing
Jews are obviously a highly stereotyped class in this medieval society. Normans and Saxons expose the wealth, opinions, and services of the Jews with much discrimination. Luckily, today's society does not include these harsh religious prejudices. The third and final prejudice towards the Jews is when the Saxons and Normans take advantage of the service of the Jews. At the tournament, Ivanhoe is wounded. Like always, the town turns to the Jews to heal them. It is known that the Jews, both male and female, practice the medical science extensively. Even though the Normans and Saxons normally treat Rebecca harshly, they turn to her and anticipate her help. However, Isaac expresses concern upon the healing of Ivanhoe: "'...what if the youth perish! If he die in our custody, shall we not be held guilty of his blood, and be torn to pieces...'" (244). But Rebecca refuses to let Ivanhoe suffer and tends him well. Isaac is also expected to serve the Normans and Saxons without fair compensation or even appreciation. Isaac argues that only when knights, priests, or priors need his service or hospitality, they consider him a great friend and are very kind to him. I
Some common words found in the essay are:
Normans Saxons, Isaac Jew, Front-de-Boeuf Cedric, Prince John, Saxons Normans, , Front-de-Boeuf Reginald, Tadcaster Templar, Jewess Rebecca, normans saxons, Normans Jews, towards jews, prince john, jewish faith, jews wealthy, isaac jew, wealthy normans, jewish people,
Approximate Word count = 791
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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