Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Cedric and Athelstane, imprisoned in Torquilstone Castle, reflect on the Norman conquest and Saxon decline.
What happens
Cedric and Athelstane, imprisoned in Torquilstone Castle, reflect on the Norman conquest and Saxon decline. Athelstane focuses on food while Cedric laments their captivity. A sewer brings a meal, and Athelstane issues a challenge to Front-de-Boeuf. A horn blast signals an arrival, and De Bracy reveals his intent to claim Rebecca as his prize. Cedric is moved to a separate cell, and Rowena is also separated.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
Cedric's reflections on the Norman conquest and the loss of Saxon liberty highlight the ongoing ethnic and cultural struggle.
Power and Tyranny
The imprisonment of Cedric, Athelstane, and Rowena by Front-de-Boeuf and De Bracy exemplifies Norman tyranny and rapacity.
Chivalry and Honor
Athelstane's challenge to Front-de-Boeuf, though undermined by his gluttony, reflects the chivalric code of defiance and combat.
Characters to notice
- Cedric the Saxon
Imprisoned in Torquilstone, he laments the Norman conquest and Saxon decline, negotiates for freedom, and is separated from Rowena.
- Athelstane of Coningsburgh
Imprisoned with Cedric, he focuses on food and issues a challenge to Front-de-Boeuf, though his appetite overshadows his defiance.
- Lady Rowena
Captured and separated from Cedric and Athelstane, she is conducted to a distant apartment.
- Rebecca
Mentioned by De Bracy as his intended prize, she is a captive in the castle.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Engages in dialogue with De Bracy, revealing his own designs on Rebecca and his disdain for De Bracy's interference.
- Maurice de Bracy
Leads the capture of Cedric and others, claims Rebecca as his prize, and blows the horn to enter Torquilstone.
- Reginald Front-de-Boeuf
Master of Torquilstone Castle, he is the captor of Cedric and Athelstane, and is challenged by Athelstane.
Key passages
“Who would have thought that upon the proud day when this battle was won, the very gale which waved the Saxon banners in triumph, was filling the Norman sails, and impelling them to the fatal shores of Sussex?”
Cedric marvels that the same wind that carried Saxon victory at Stamford Bridge also brought the Norman fleet to England, leading to their downfall.
Cedric's reflection on the irony of fate and the Norman Conquest.
“Far better was our homely diet, eaten in peace and liberty, than the luxurious dainties, the love of which hath delivered us as bondsmen to the foreign conqueror!”
Cedric argues that Saxon simplicity and freedom are superior to Norman luxury, which has led to their enslavement.
Cedric's critique of Norman influence and Saxon decline.
“Tell your master, Reginald Front-de-Boeuf, that we know no reason he can have for withholding our liberty, excepting his unlawful desire to enrich himself at our expense.”
Cedric demands to know why Front-de-Boeuf holds them captive, accusing him of greed.
Cedric's attempt to negotiate ransom for freedom.
“I send him my mortal defiance, and challenge him to combat with me, on foot or horseback, at any secure place, within eight days after our liberation; which, if he be a true knight, he will not, under these circumstances, venture to refuse or to delay.”
Athelstane challenges Front-de-Boeuf to a duel after their release, invoking knightly honor.
Athelstane's chivalric challenge, though undercut by his focus on food.
