# Chapter XVIII explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Cedric's plans to unite Rowena and Athelstane for Saxon independence are detailed, along with his strained relationship with his son Ivanhoe. During the journey home, Cedric vents his anger on Gurth, who is bound and later resolves to leave his service. The party stops at a monastery and continues on, delayed by various incidents.

## Themes in this chapter

### Norman-Saxon Conflict

Cedric's plan to marry Rowena to Athelstane is a political move to unite Saxons against Norman rule.

### Power and Tyranny

Cedric's authoritarian treatment of Gurth and his disregard for Rowena's will illustrate the abuse of patriarchal power.

### Love and Loyalty

Rowena's steadfast love for Ivanhoe and Gurth's loyalty to his dog Fangs highlight personal bonds against political pressures.

## Character check-ins

### Cedric the Saxon

Frustrated by his failed plans for Rowena and Athelstane, he harshly treats Gurth and wounds his dog Fangs.

### Athelstane of Coningsburgh

Shown as slow and irresolute, more concerned with hospitality and omens than with action.

### Lady Rowena

Resists Cedric's matchmaking, openly preferring Ivanhoe and despising Athelstane.

### Gurth

Bound and mistreated by Cedric, he resolves to leave his service after his dog Fangs is attacked.

### Wamba

Assists Gurth by wiping his eyes and later comments on the omens.

### Wilfred of Ivanhoe

Mentioned as the cause of Cedric's disappointment, having appeared at the tournament and winning Rowena's love.

## Key lines

> The warm and impassioned exhortations of Cedric had as little effect upon his impassive temper, as red-hot balls alighting in the water, which produce a little sound and smoke, and are instantly extinguished.

Cedric's passionate pleas had no lasting impact on Athelstane's indifferent nature.

_Describes Athelstane's lack of response to Cedric's urgings._

> This comes of loving your flesh and blood better than mine own.

This is what happens when you care more for your own family than for me.

_Gurth's reproach to Cedric after being bound._

## Links

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