Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Ivanhoe, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Merits of Chivalry
Disguise and Discovery
Inheritance and Displacement
The Vulnerability and Power of Women
History vs. Romance
Summary
Analysis
Years of woodsmoke from the drafty fireplaces have darkened the wide beams that support the thatched roof of Cedric’s great hall. He has decorated the room in self-consciously “Saxon” style. It has a hard-packed dirt floor and plain walls; at one end, the head table sits on an elevated dais with a carpeted floor and tapestry-laden walls. Cedric sits in a large chair on the dais, growing increasingly impatient. He has an expressive face, quick to both anger and merriment. A lifetime of asserting his rights against the Normans has given him an alert, proud attitude. Even though he’s nearly 60, most of his long hair remains blonde rather than gray.
The description of Cedric’s hall reminds readers of the novel’s historical setting—but the strangeness of dress and décor only emphasize by contrast how recognizable his emotions—impatience, hunger, pride—are. And his life serves as a continual reminder of Norman abuses of power and Saxon displacement. Cedric steadfastly maintains his Saxon identity even where assimilation would make his life easier, and it’s sacrifices like his, the book suggests, that preserve Saxon strength in later English character.
Themes
Servants of various ranks attend to Cedric, and a pack of hunting dogs lounges around the hall as he mutters to himself and his servant Oswald about all the things contributing to his foul mood. Lady Rowena, caught in the storm, needs to change her wet clothes before the meal can begin. Gurth and the pigs haven’t yet returned and may have fallen into the hands of local outlaws or the closest Norman baron. Cedric wants Wamba. Seizing the spear he keeps with him to use as a walking staff or a weapon, Cedric swears to avenge himself in combat if anyone has accosted his servants or taken his animals.
Cedric’s habitual concern about the welfare and safety of his property (the pigs which contribute to his wealth) and the people in his household point both toward Norman abuses of power—no one can assume that their belongings or person are safe if Normans hold themselves above the laws and take what they want when they want it. But it also establishes his character as an able leader. Like King Richard (and unlike Prince John), he cares at least as much (if not more) about others than himself.
Themes
Literary Devices
Then Cedric remembers another source of grief, his son Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Because Cedric banished his son for being unable to control his “unreasonable passions,” he now faces his old age like a solitary oak standing alone against a tempest. The sound of a horn at the gate interrupts Cedric’s sad thoughts, and a servant soon announces the arrival of Prior Aymer and Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert, Templar knight, with their attendants. They request Cedric’s hospitality as they travel to the upcoming tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouche.
But Cedric isn’t perfect; his anger and pride have cost him his only child and sole heir, Wilfred. When Cedric considers Ivanhoe’s “unreasonable passions,” he aligns his son with the immoral Norman characters readers have already met. Both Aymer and Sir Brian follow their passions and desires wherever they lead, rather than holding themselves accountable to live moral lives. Yet, readers will later learn more about Ivanhoe that will call Cedric’s characterization into question.
Themes
It isn’t in Cedric’s nature to deny anyone, even hated Normans, hospitality, although he refuses to show Sir Brian and Aymer the same deference he would extend to Saxon nobles. Cedric knows both by reputation; gossip of the Templar’s valiance, bravery, cruelty, and worldliness have preceded the man to England. Cedric orders his servants to prepare drinks and tells a maid to suggest that Rowena skip gracing the hall that night. He’d like to order her away, but he can’t. Because she descends from King Alfred, he treats her like a princess. The maid thinks Rowena, always anxious for news from Palestine, will come. Cedric must remind himself that he feels no more anxiety for his disowned son than any other crusader.
Unlike the Normans, whose virtue seems dependent on their whims, Cedric sticks fast to his values, even when they cause him discomfort. He thus shows Saxon strength and contributes to the book’s argument for the importance of the Saxon strand of English identity. It also says something about Cedric that the same pride that caused him to disown Ivanhoe (a decision he still clearly feels conflicted about) animates his decision to show hospitality to his avowed enemies.
Themes
Literary Devices
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