Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter XXXIII explained
Prior Aymer is ransomed and writes a letter to Brian de Bois-Guilbert for Isaac's safe-conduct.
What happens
Prior Aymer is ransomed and writes a letter to Brian de Bois-Guilbert for Isaac's safe-conduct. Locksley negotiates Isaac's ransom, revealing his past connection with Rebecca. Isaac sets off to ransom his daughter, and the Black Knight departs after a respectful exchange with the outlaw leader.
Themes in this chapter
Antisemitism and Prejudice
Prior Aymer's contemptuous speech and the Jew's treatment highlight the systemic prejudice against Jews in medieval society.
Justice and Redemption
Locksley's fair negotiation and the Black Knight's praise of moral restraint illustrate a form of rough justice among outlaws.
Power and Tyranny
The Prior's abuse of ecclesiastical authority and the Templar's power over Isaac's daughter reflect tyrannical uses of power.
Characters to notice
- Locksley
Acts as the leader of the outlaws, negotiating ransoms and revealing his identity as Diccon Bend-the-Bow.
- Isaac of York
Pays ransom for himself and Prior Aymer, receives a letter for Bois-Guilbert, and sets out to ransom his daughter Rebecca.
- Prior Aymer
Ransomed and writes a letter to Bois-Guilbert; argues with the Hermit and departs with reduced pomp.
- Friar Tuck
The Hermit of Copmanhurst, who quarrels with Prior Aymer in Latin and claims the jewels for himself.
- King Richard the Lionheart
Present as the Black Knight, observes the proceedings and exchanges farewells with Locksley.
- Rebecca
Mentioned as Isaac's daughter, captured by Norman knights, and the reason for Isaac's journey to Templestowe.
Key passages
“There, Prior,” said the Captain, “are quills enow to supply all the monks of Jorvaulx for the next hundred years, an they take not to writing chronicles.”
The Captain jokes that the arrows are enough to provide quills for the monks for a century, assuming they don't write chronicles.
Locksley mocks the Prior's scholarly pursuits.
“I am English born, and love no such Eastern prostrations—Kneel to God, and not to a poor sinner, like me.”
Locksley rejects Isaac's groveling, insisting that worship is due only to God.
Locksley displays a sense of English pride and humility.
“Be liberal of thine offers, Isaac, and spare not thy purse for thy daughter’s safety. Credit me, that the gold thou shalt spare in her cause, will hereafter give thee as much agony as if it were poured molten down thy throat.”
Locksley advises Isaac to spend generously on his daughter's ransom, warning that hoarding gold will cause him future pain.
Locksley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family over wealth.
“For he that does good, having the unlimited power to do evil, deserves praise not only for the good which he performs, but for the evil which he forbears.”
The Black Knight praises Locksley for choosing to do good when he could easily do harm.
The Knight commends the outlaw's moral restraint.