Ivanhoe: Part 2

This A & E miniseries presents Sir Walter Scott's epic adventure, Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe is the story of King Richard's return to England, and the fight against the factions loyal to his scheming half-brother, Prince John. At the center of this intrigue is the disinherited young Saxon knight Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, whose chivalrous instincts pit him against the powerful Templar Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert--and against the passions of his own heart. Ivanhoe would be useful for classes on Medieval history and literature. It is appropriate for high school.

Part 2. At the tournament, Ivanhoe defeats the Norman knights and earns the enmity of Prince John. In the second day of tournament, the Prince champions a group of his Norman henchmen, including the former crusader Bois-Guilbert, against Ivanhoe and the Saxons. Ivanhoe is joined by the mysterious Black Knight, and Bois-Guilbert and the Normans are defeated.

• admonishes
• arrogant
• barbarity
• brethren
• dismal
• enmity
• forfeit
• homage
• infallible
• melee
• persecution
• poultice
• slaughter
• stalwart
• witless

1. Tournaments played a large role in medieval culture. What is the symbolic significance of the tournament?

2. Ivanhoe defeats the Norman knights at the tournament. Why is it so important to the Saxons that a Saxon knight wins the tournament? Why is the loss so upsetting to Prince John?

3. Ivanhoe is joined in the tournament by the Black Knight. Who do you think this Black Knight is? Why doesn't he reveal his identity?

1. Compare a jousting event with a modern sports event (such as the Super Bowl). How are these events similar? How do they differ?

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