Ivanhoe · Chapter
The Trial of Rebecca explained
Rebecca is put on trial before the Grand Master Lucas de Beaumanoir and the assembled Templars, accused of sorcery and enchanting Brian de Bois-Guilbert.
What happens
Rebecca is put on trial before the Grand Master Lucas de Beaumanoir and the assembled Templars, accused of sorcery and enchanting Brian de Bois-Guilbert. Despite Bois-Guilbert's agitation and the biased testimony against her, Rebecca demands a trial by combat, throwing down her glove as her gage.
Themes in this chapter
Antisemitism and Prejudice
Rebecca is condemned largely because she is a Jewess, with the court readily accepting flimsy supernatural accusations against her.
Justice and Redemption
The trial is a perversion of justice, but Rebecca's demand for trial by combat offers a glimmer of hope for redemption.
Power and Tyranny
The Grand Master and the Templar court wield absolute power, using it to oppress the defenseless Rebecca.
Characters to notice
- Rebecca
The accused Jewish damsel, who eloquently defends herself and demands trial by combat.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
The Templar knight who is visibly tormented and remains silent when Rebecca appeals to him.
- Lucas de Beaumanoir
The Grand Master presiding over the trial, determined to convict Rebecca.
- Albert de Malvoisin
Preceptor of Templestowe, who gives guarded testimony and receives a light penance.
- Conrade de Mont-Fitchet
Confidential follower of the Grand Master, to whom Beaumanoir speaks apart.
Key passages
“Stern was the law which bade its vot’ries leave At human woes with human hearts to grieve; Stern was the law, which at the winning wile Of frank and harmless mirth forbade to smile; But sterner still, when high the iron-rod Of tyrant power she shook, and call’d that power of God.”
The law was harsh, forbidding compassion and joy, but it was harshest when wielded by tyrants who claimed divine authority.
Opening epigraph setting the tone for the oppressive trial.
“I will not therefore return to himself the charge brought against me—but to himself—Yes, Brian de Bois-Guilbert, to thyself I appeal, whether these accusations are not false? as monstrous and calumnious as they are deadly?”
Rebecca directly challenges Bois-Guilbert to deny the false accusations against her.
Rebecca's dramatic appeal to her accuser for the truth.
“God will raise me up a champion—It cannot be that in merry England —the hospitable, the generous, the free, where so many are ready to peril their lives for honour, there will not be found one to fight for justice.”
Rebecca expresses faith that a champion will emerge in England to fight for her cause.
Rebecca's hopeful declaration before throwing down her glove.