# XXVIII explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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