Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott takes the reader back to the classic medieval times where knights in shining armor, princess, and chivalry are rampant in England. Ivanhoe, the main character of this story, has returned home from the Holy Land disinherited and disowned, seeking to reunite with his love Rowena and defend his country from the notorious Prince John before it is too late. Medieval knights, courageous heroines, and romance – these topics are all clearly illustrated in the unforgettable story of Ivanhoe and his fight for his country and the woman he loves. The story takes the reader on a journey in time when knights were returning home for the Crusades fought in the Holy Land between Christians and Muslims. The setting of the story is descriptive and very apparent for the reader. Sir Walter Scott creates scenes in your mind through his clear illustrative words and descriptions of what life was like in the medieval times. The book began with a couple engaging sentences, giving the reader a clear idea of what was happening in England in the Dark Ages, stating that “In the year 1192, the people of England feared for the life of their beloved king, Richard I, also called Richard the Lion-Hearted. Was he dead or was he a prisoner somewhere?” In a matter of two sentences, Scott captivates its reader by asking a question that is just begging to be answered: What has happened to King Richard the Lion-Hearted? This question and the fight for the answer would be the clear hallmark of this classic tale. Along with descriptive words and settings, a standout in this book is Scott’s creativity with characters, especially with the female protagonists, Princess Rowena, Ivanhoe’s love interest and Rebecca, the Jewish daughter of Issac of York. Although Robin Hood, Cedric the Saxon, Prince John, and Brian de Bois-Guilbert are fascinating characters and each hold an important role in the story of Ivanhoe, the book would not be complete without the courage and wit of Rowena and Rebecca. Scott masterfully illustrates Rowena and Rebecca as strong, capable women who, when faced with opposition or danger, act responsibly and courageously. Both women are also loyal and strong in their convictions. Rebecca, on one occasion in particular, spoke bravely and fiercely to an adversary much to her detriment, saying, “Beast! I would rather die in this fire than be rescued by a savage like you!”. The author allows for the reader to believe that strong, capable protagonists can be performed by both men and women alike. Though vibrant settings and strong characters are important in the story of Ivanhoe, Scott does not neglect to give the reader an idea of what kind of man Ivanhoe was. Courageous, passionate, and chivalrous, Ivanhoe is a stand out character because of his dedication to his country despite the cost and defending the woman he loves. Unlike the opposing knights Brian de Bois-Guilbert and Maurice de Bracy, Ivanhoe practices true courage and sacrifice. Driven by his love for Rowena and his strong feeling of patriotism for England, Ivanhoe is time and time again demonstrates chivalry and duty. In a dire life and death situation near the end of the book involving Rebecca, Ivanhoe is requested to fight for her. When called upon, Ivanhoe courageously declares that “I am a noble knight ready to defend Rebecca with my sword and lance, to prove that the accusations against her are false, and to defy Brian de Bois-Guilbert, who is a traitor, a liar, and a murderer!”. Insight into Ivanhoe’s character of courage, honor, and kindness are displayed clearly through Scott’s descriptive words and dialogue. Through the story of Ivanhoe, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey through the post-Crusades era in England, where a fight of honor and duty are fought among knights and heroines. As the reader falls in love with Ivanhoe’s chivalrous character, Rowena’s beloved kindness, Rebecca’s charming intelligence, and Robin Hood’s witty and creative mind, he or she can easily root for these unforgettable characters and the fight against right and wrong. Although this book does suffer with an abundance of characters, making it somewhat hard to keep track, the book Ivanhoe offers the reader a look into the medieval days and perils that followed the Crusades. With its lovable protagonists and exciting adventures and fights, this book easily appeals to a reader in the 21st century and for the centuries to come. Happy reading!
Oh I love that Beauty and the Beast!! Aren't the live action Disney princess movies awesome!? Thank you for replying!7 days ago
