Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter V explained
The chapter continues the banquet at Cedric's hall, where the Templar Brian de Bois-Guilbert and the Palmer engage in a heated exchange over the prowess of English knights.
What happens
The chapter continues the banquet at Cedric's hall, where the Templar Brian de Bois-Guilbert and the Palmer engage in a heated exchange over the prowess of English knights. The Palmer recounts the tournament at Acre, naming King Richard and others, but hesitates to name the sixth knight, whom Bois-Guilbert identifies as Ivanhoe. A wager is made between the Palmer and the Templar, with Lady Rowena and Cedric pledging support for Ivanhoe. The Jew Isaac is verbally abused by the Templar, and the evening concludes with the guests retiring.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
Cedric's pride in Saxon lineage and his disdain for Norman tyranny are evident throughout the banquet.
Chivalry and Honor
The wager between the Palmer and Bois-Guilbert, and Rowena's pledge, highlight the code of chivalric honor.
Antisemitism and Prejudice
The Templar's verbal abuse of Isaac reflects the pervasive anti-Jewish sentiment of the era.
Love and Loyalty
Rowena's public defense of Ivanhoe demonstrates her loyalty and affection for him.
Characters to notice
- Cedric the Saxon
Hosts the banquet, shows pride in Saxon heritage, and pledges his honor for Ivanhoe.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
The Templar who scorns Isaac, challenges Ivanhoe's reputation, and wagers his gold chain.
- Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Mentioned as the sixth knight at Acre; his honor is defended by the Palmer and Rowena.
- Lady Rowena
Speaks in defense of Ivanhoe, offering her name and fame as pledge.
- Isaac of York
Verbally abused by the Templar; claims poverty and plans to attend the tournament.
- Wamba
The jester who makes a witty remark about King Richard and the Crusade.
- Prior Aymer
Acts as peacemaker, holds the pledges, and retires early from the feast.
- King Richard the Lionheart
Named by the Palmer as the first knight in the tournament at Acre.
Key passages
“Unbelieving dog, said the Templar to Isaac the Jew, as he passed him in the throng, dost thou bend thy course to the tournament?”
The Templar insulted Isaac as he walked by, asking if he was going to the tournament.
Shows the Templar's contempt for Isaac and the Jewish people.
“I say, repeated the Pilgrim in a firm and strong voice, that the English chivalry were second to none who ever drew sword in defence of the Holy Land.”
The Pilgrim firmly declared that English knights were unmatched in the Crusades.
The Pilgrim defends English honor against the Templar's boasts.
“My voice shall be heard, if no other in this hall is raised in behalf of the absent Ivanhoe.”
Rowena asserted that she would speak for Ivanhoe if no one else would.
Rowena's bold intervention shows her agency and loyalty.