Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe is set in approximately twelfth century England during the time of feudal Europe, the crusades, Richard the Lion Hearted, and Robin Hood. Chivalry is still a major force in England, as is Christianity. The story refers more exactly to a period towards the end of the reign of Richard I, when his return from his long captivity was yearned for by his subjects, being under of his brother, Prince John, who was incompetent as a monarch and corrupt, unfairly taxing the citizens. The condition of the English nation was at this time sufficiently miserable. King Richard captivity in the clutches of the cruel and perfidious Duke of Austria was being prolonged as requested by Prince John, who was quite enjoying his power. The nobles were also taking advantage of their power during the king's absence with their tyranny, causing much suffering among the inferior classes. Also, Ivanhoe may take place soon after the Conquest by Duke William of Normandy in 1066, because the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons are still somewhat hostile towards each other during the course of the adventure, and Scott reveals the hatred and malice that Saxons felt towards Normans. They still speak different languages, still another barrier between
A good example of symbolism from Ivanhoe is the way in which Scott used his hero and his villain to represent the Norman-Saxon feud. The dark Brian de Bois-Guilbert, the main villain, is a Norman. The hero, Wilfred of Ivanhoe, is a Saxon. Ivanhoe versus Brian de Bois Guilbert, hero versus villain is a basic way of showing Norman versus Saxon. The two are also opposite in their characters. Brian de Bois Guilbert seems to represent revenge, grief, and hatred, while Ivanhoe is the perfect example of chivalry and valiancy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A character I like is of course, Ivanhoe. He is noble and honest and chivalrous as well as the perfect example of a knight. He was kind even to the Jews whom no one respected and he never took more than he needed. For example, after the tournament, his opponents came to give him the money and their horses as was custom for the loser, but he only accepted that which he needed. Unlike most Saxons, who resented even King Richard's rule because he was a Norman king, Ivanhoe was is noble in the sense that he respected the good King Richard and was willing to support him solely because Richard was a good king. I admire his values very much, however, I don't think I could follow them as strictly as Ivanhoe does, because if someone were to offer money that I don't need and that I rightfully won, I would definitely accept. I can only admire Ivanhoe's reaction to such a situation, but I could never emulate the high standards of character he possesses. "The towering flames had now surmounted every obstruction and rose to the evening skies one huge and burning beacon, seen far and wide through the adjacent country. Tower after tower crashed down, with blazing roof and rafter; and the combatants were driven from the courtyard. The vanquished, of whom very few remained, scattered and escaped into the neighboring wood. The victors, assembling in large bands, gazed with wonder, not unmixed with fear, upon the flames, in which their own ranks and arms glanced dusky red. The maniac figure of the Saxon Ulrica was for a long time visible on the lofty stand she had chosen, tossing her arms abroad with wild exultation, as if she reigned empress of the conflagration which she had raised. At length, with a terrific crash, the whole turret gave way,
Some common words found in the essay are:
Walter Scott, Prince John, King Richard, Saxon Ulrica, Love Beauty, Bois Guilbert, Theme Scott's, Normans Anglo-Saxons, Walter Scott's, Ivanhoe Scott, prince john, brian de, de bois, sir walter, bois guilbert, de bois guilbert, ivanhoe noble, brian de bois, expressive verb usage, knighthood chivalry, walter scott, ivanhoe saxon, king richard's, sir walter scott, represent norman-saxon feud,
Approximate Word count = 1582
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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