Ivanhoe: Part 3

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 3. Wounded in the tournament against the Normans, Ivanhoe is tended to by the beautiful healer Rebecca, daughter of Isaac of York. Meanwhile, Bois-Guilbert schemes to steal Rowena for one of his cohorts. Disguised as outlaws, the Normans storm the Saxon camp, kidnapping Rowena, Ivanhoe, his father, Rebecca and Isaac.

• aggrieved
• benighted
• betrothed
• chagrin
• conjunction
• cuckold
• endeavors
• execute
• faire
• harlot
• hospitality
• ignobly
• impale
• incompetence
• intimidate
• penitence
• ravish
• realm
• redemption
• sot
• strive
• valiant
• valor
• virtue

1. Medieval marriages were often arranged for political purposes. Why is a marriage between De Bracy and Rowena politically desirable?

2. Although Ivanhoe's deeds and heroism in the tournament have earned him honor and valor, his father, Lord Cedric, refuses to acknowledge him. Why is Lord Cedric so bitter toward his son?

3. Ivanhoe makes use of different literary ploys such as similes. One example is when Prince John tells a woman at the feast: madam, your face will sour the wine. What does Prince John mean by this statement? What other literary devices are used in Ivanhoe?

4. Why does Prince John refuse to grant permission for the marriage of Asthelstane and Rowena?

5. Isaac of York chastises his daughter for her attentions to Ivanhoe. Why is Isaac so angry with Rebecca and her feelings for Ivanhoe?

6. De Bracy, Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf plan to kidnap Rowena so De Bracy can rescue her and win her heart. How and why does this plot fail? What are the repercussions?

7. What is the significance of the gift to Wamba and Gurth from Front-de-Boeuf?

1. Dividing the class into two sections, organize a debate that argues for the legitimacy of the English throne. Does the throne belong to Richard or to John? What determines who is the rightful heir?

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