# XXXII explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## What happens

The outlaws gather at the Trysting-tree to divide the spoils from the siege of Torquilstone. Locksley presides over the distribution with fairness, setting aside portions for the church, widows, and a public treasury. The Black Knight is impressed by the outlaws' orderly governance. Friar Tuck arrives triumphantly, dragging Isaac of York by a halter, claiming to have converted him. Isaac, terrified, begs for release. Locksley questions the Friar about his capture, and the Friar recounts finding Isaac in a cellar and being trapped by falling masonry. The chapter ends with the Friar's boastful account and Isaac's distress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Antisemitism and Prejudice

Isaac is dragged by a halter, mocked, and subjected to forced conversion by Friar Tuck, reflecting the deep-seated prejudice against Jews.

### Justice and Redemption

Locksley's equitable distribution of spoils and care for widows and orphans demonstrates a sense of justice among the outlaws.

### Power and Tyranny

The outlaws' orderly governance contrasts with the tyranny of Norman lords like Front-de-Boeuf, whose castle lies in ruins.

## Character check-ins

### Locksley

Presides over the distribution of spoils at the Trysting-tree, demonstrating leadership and fairness.

### King Richard the Lionheart

Present as the Black Knight of the Fetterlock, observing the outlaws' governance and receiving a horn from Locksley.

### Cedric the Saxon

Grieves the death of Athelstane and declines a share of the spoils, wishing only to return to Rotherwood.

### Isaac of York

Captured by Friar Tuck, dragged by a halter, and terrified by the Friar's mock conversion attempts.

### Friar Tuck

Arrives triumphantly with Isaac as his prisoner, boasting of his exploits and claiming to have converted the Jew.

### Wilfred of Ivanhoe

Not directly present in this chapter; his name is not mentioned in the excerpts.

### Lady Rowena

Mentioned as desiring to return to Rotherwood, escorted by Cedric's force.

### Athelstane of Coningsburgh

Mourned by Cedric as the last sprout of the sainted Confessor, believed dead.

## Key lines

> making his way through the ring, amidst the laughter of all around, he appeared in majestic triumph, his huge partisan in one hand, and in the other a halter, one end of which was fastened to the neck of the unfortunate Isaac of York

Friar Tuck pushed through the crowd, laughing, holding a large weapon in one hand and a rope tied around Isaac of York's neck in the other, dragging the terrified Jew behind him.

_Describes Friar Tuck's triumphant and humiliating capture of Isaac._

> A captive to my sword and to my lance, noble Captain, replied the Clerk of Copmanhurst; to my bow and to my halberd, I should rather say; and yet I have redeemed him by my divinity from a worse captivity.

Friar Tuck claimed he captured Isaac with his weapons but also saved him from a worse fate through religious instruction.

_Friar Tuck boasts of both physical capture and spiritual 'rescue' of Isaac._

> For the love of God! ejaculated the poor Jew, will no one take me out of the keeping of this mad—I mean this holy man?

Isaac cried out desperately, begging someone to rescue him from the Friar, whom he nearly called mad before correcting himself to 'holy.'

_Isaac's terror and plea for help reveal his distress at the Friar's treatment._

> Nay, we will have no profanation, mad Priest, said Locksley; let us rather hear where you found this prisoner of thine.

Locksley interrupted the Friar's mockery, telling him to stop the blasphemy and explain how he captured Isaac.

_Locksley asserts authority and demands a proper account from the Friar._

## Links

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