Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter XIV: The Banquet at Ashby explained
Prince John hosts a grand banquet at Ashby Castle, where he attempts to court Saxon nobles like Cedric and Athelstane.
What happens
Prince John hosts a grand banquet at Ashby Castle, where he attempts to court Saxon nobles like Cedric and Athelstane. Tensions rise when Cedric, after being insulted, defiantly toasts the health of King Richard the Lionheart, causing discomfort among the Norman guests. The chapter highlights the political maneuvering and racial animosity between Saxons and Normans, as well as Prince John's fickle and impulsive nature.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
The banquet scene vividly portrays the deep animosity between Saxons and Normans, culminating in Cedric's defiant toast to King Richard.
Power and Tyranny
Prince John's erratic rule and attempts to manipulate the Saxon nobles illustrate the precarious nature of his power.
Chivalry and Honor
Cedric's insistence on honoring King Richard, despite the risk, underscores the theme of personal honor over political expediency.
Characters to notice
- Cedric the Saxon
Cedric boldly toasts King Richard, defying Prince John and asserting Saxon pride.
- Prince John
Prince John hosts the banquet but struggles to maintain composure, angered by Cedric's toast to Richard.
- Athelstane of Coningsburgh
Athelstane accompanies Cedric and drinks to the toast, showing his Saxon allegiance.
- Waldemar Fitzurse
Fitzurse advises Prince John and attempts to manipulate Cedric, later strategizing to retain support.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
The Templar sullenly refuses to drink to King Richard's health, showing his disdain.
- Reginald Front-de-Boeuf
Front-de-Boeuf joins the Templar in refusing the toast, highlighting Norman hostility.
- Maurice de Bracy
De Bracy mocks the Saxons and later plans with Fitzurse to shore up support for John.
- Prior Aymer
Prior Aymer departs early, citing a journey, but is suspected of wavering loyalty.
Key passages
“a Saxon would have been held nidering, who should in his own hall, and while his own wine-cup passed, have treated, or suffered to be treated, an unoffending guest as your highness has this day beheld me used”
A Saxon would be considered worthless if he allowed a guest to be mistreated in his own home, as I have been treated today.
Cedric rebukes Prince John for the insult, invoking Saxon honor.
“I quaff this goblet to the health of Richard the Lionhearted!”
I drink this cup to the health of Richard the Lionheart.
Cedric's bold toast to King Richard, defying Prince John.
“By the bones of St. Thomas, the Saxon churls have borne off the best of the day, and have retreated with triumph!”
By the bones of St. Thomas, the Saxon peasants have won the day and left in triumph!
Prince John's frustrated reaction to Cedric's successful defiance.