Scott’s writing in Ivanhoe is considered very typical of the author’s work. He implemented extensive historical research in his writing practice, incorporating a huge amount of accurate and specific detail. His style in Ivanhoe is full of archaic diction and spelling, complex syntax, period-specific idiom, and colorful figurative language. All of these elements collectively immerse the reader in the Middle Ages of the book’s setting and contribute to the novel's deep sense of local color. This use of language—while it can be challenging, as it’s unconventional and sometimes contains old-fashioned or unfamiliar vocabulary—does a lot of work to make the reader understand the context in which Ivanhoe’s adventures take place.
The syntax of Ivanhoe is notably complex. In general, Scott favors long, detailed sentences that are packed with information and description, and Ivanhoe is no exception. This syntactical complexity demands careful reading, especially when it’s combined with the many allusions to other works of literature and historical events Scott makes. He often references the Bible and the works of English 13th-century author Geoffrey Chaucer, aligning his own writing with the novel’s religious and Romance genre influences. Like Chaucer, Scott also uses metaphor, allegory, and simile liberally in Ivanhoe to bring the story to life for his reader.
The pacing of Ivanhoe is notably uneven, with Scott dedicating considerable attention to the buildup of events rather than the action itself. This pacing strategy allows for in-depth exploration of character and setting, but can lead to periods where the story feels very slow. These are interspersed with short bursts of intense action. This uneven pacing, combined with the measured and deliberate unfolding of the plot, contributes to the novel's dramatic tension and to its sense of realism. As in real life, periods of intensity in Ivanhoe are balanced by periods of less energetic action. Through these stylistic choices, Scott crafts a narrative that is as much about evoking a bygone era as it is about telling a swashbuckling and romantic adventure story.
