Ivanhoe
IvanhoeIvanhoe 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 the two races. Only educated could understand both the Norman French and the Anglo-Saxon, although even they would pretend not to understand each other, refusing to speak in their enemies tongue. Throughout the novel, nobility gives the Normans, because the Normans were the victors in the Battle of Hastings. The Normans had the power, so everything affiliated with Saxons was considered inferior. The audience was shocked when a Saxon won the tournament at Ashby and still more astonished when the Queen of Love and Beauty chosen was a Saxon woman. Indeed, the main character, Ivanhoe, was disinherited by his father for wanting to serve a Norman king. In addition, the absolute persecution of the Jews is lucid during this time period. They are mercilessly mistreated and abused and not even considered human. All the men who gaze upon the stunningly beautiful Rebecca look away ashamed to have noticed a Jewish girl. Even the slaves of servants gaze condescendingly upon the Jews. They were given less respect than animals.
Before encountering this novel, I knew little about this time period. I knew about the legends of Robin Hood of course, whom Ivanhoe later encounters in the novel and by whom Ivanhoe is assisted, and I knew from popular stories that Richard the Lion-Hearted was a good king, while his brother who ruled in his absence was corrupt. I knew a little about the crusades of twelfth century Europe, but Sir Walter Scott truly brought to life the honor and splendour that accompanied knighthood, the chivalry, the traditions of that time, and the injustices through his very realistic and developed characters. He...
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