# Chapter XXXVI explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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