Ivanhoe · Chapter
XXVIII explained
Rebecca persuades her father Isaac to transport the wounded Ivanhoe to their home in Ashby, where she tends to his injuries using her knowledge of healing.
What happens
Rebecca persuades her father Isaac to transport the wounded Ivanhoe to their home in Ashby, where she tends to his injuries using her knowledge of healing. Ivanhoe impatiently awaits recovery and inquires about Cedric, Rowena, and Prince John's actions. Rebecca promises he will bear his armor within eight days, asking only that he believe a Jew may serve a Christian without reward.
Themes in this chapter
Antisemitism and Prejudice
Isaac's initial reluctance to help Ivanhoe stems from the prejudices and scrupulous timidity of his persecuted people; Rebecca challenges this by asserting that in wounds and misery, the Gentile becomes the Jew's brother.
Love and Loyalty
Rebecca's selfless care for Ivanhoe, despite his Christian identity, demonstrates loyalty and compassion beyond social and religious boundaries.
Gender and Agency
Rebecca takes decisive action to save Ivanhoe, using her medical skills and persuading her father, showing agency in a patriarchal society.
Characters to notice
- Rebecca
Prevails upon Isaac to bring Ivanhoe to their home; personally tends to Ivanhoe's wounds and promises to heal him within eight days.
- Isaac of York
Initially hesitant due to religious scruples, but ultimately agrees to transport Ivanhoe, moved by Rebecca's insistence and his own compassion.
- Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Wounded and bedridden; impatient to recover and inquires about Cedric, Rowena, and Prince John; promises reward for Rebecca's healing.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Passes Rebecca on the road, fixing his bold and ardent look upon her, foreshadowing his later actions.
- Ulrica
Mentioned as Urfried; tasked with guarding Ivanhoe but devolves the care to Rebecca.
Key passages
“Speak not so, my dear father... in wounds and in misery, the Gentile becometh the Jew's brother.”
Rebecca tells Isaac that while they may not socialize with Christians, they must help them in times of injury and suffering, as shared humanity transcends religious divides.
Rebecca's argument overcomes Isaac's religious scruples.
“I will accomplish my promise... and thou shalt bear thine armour on the eighth day from hence, if thou will grant me but one boon in the stead of the silver thou dost promise me.”
Rebecca pledges to heal Ivanhoe within eight days, asking only that he believe a Jew can serve a Christian without seeking material reward.
Rebecca's healing skill and her request for recognition of shared humanity.