Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI explained
The Grand Master Lucas de Beaumanoir, convinced that Rebecca is a sorceress who has enchanted Brian de Bois-Guilbert, resolves to try and condemn her.
What happens
The Grand Master Lucas de Beaumanoir, convinced that Rebecca is a sorceress who has enchanted Brian de Bois-Guilbert, resolves to try and condemn her. Albert Malvoisin, the Preceptor, attempts to steer the Grand Master's wrath away from Bois-Guilbert and onto Rebecca. Bois-Guilbert, torn between his passion for Rebecca and his ambition, ultimately decides to abandon her to her fate. Rebecca is brought before the tribunal, where she receives a scrap of paper from a secret friend.
Themes in this chapter
Antisemitism and Prejudice
Rebecca is condemned as a sorceress largely because of her Jewish identity, reflecting deep-seated religious and ethnic prejudice.
Power and Tyranny
The Grand Master exercises absolute authority within the Templar preceptory, overriding local laws and due process to pursue his own judgment.
Love and Loyalty
Bois-Guilbert's passion for Rebecca conflicts with his loyalty to the Templar Order, ultimately leading him to choose ambition over love.
Characters to notice
- Rebecca
Accused of sorcery by the Grand Master; brought before the tribunal; receives a secret note of support.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Furious at Rebecca's rejection; torn between love and ambition; ultimately decides to abandon her.
- Lucas de Beaumanoir
Grand Master of the Templars; condemns Rebecca as a sorceress and orders her trial.
- Albert de Malvoisin
Preceptor of Templestowe; manipulates the situation to protect Bois-Guilbert and ensure Rebecca's condemnation.
- Conrade de Mont-Fitchet
Supports the Grand Master's judgment; notes Bois-Guilbert's value to the Order.
Key passages
“The blood of these accursed dogs shall be a sweet and acceptable offering to the saints and angels whom they despise and blaspheme; and with their aid will we counteract the spells and charms with which our brother is entwined as in a net.”
Beaumanoir declares that the blood of slain Saracens will please the saints, and with their help he will break the enchantments holding Bois-Guilbert.
Shows Beaumanoir's religious fanaticism and his view of violence as a holy act.
“The laws of England permit and enjoin each judge to execute justice within his own jurisdiction. The most petty baron may arrest, try, and condemn a witch found within his own domain. And shall that power be denied to the Grand Master of the Temple within a preceptory of his Order?”
Beaumanoir argues that even a minor baron has the right to judge a witch on his land, so the Grand Master certainly has that authority within a Templar preceptory.
Highlights the tension between local English law and Templar autonomy.
“Women are but the toys which amuse our lighter hours—ambition is the serious business of life. Perish a thousand such frail baubles as this Jewess, before thy manly step pause in the brilliant career that lies stretched before thee!”
Malvoisin advises Bois-Guilbert to view women as trivial distractions and to prioritize his ambition over any attachment to Rebecca.
Reflects the cynical, pragmatic attitude of Malvoisin and the patriarchal values of the time.