# Chapter V explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters