Ivanhoe: Part 5

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.

• abomination
• abstained
• bewitched
• blasphemy
• conflagration
• consequences
• demonic
• diabolic
• druids
• guile
• heretic
• inquisition
• magnanimous
• mea culpa
• moderation
• purge
• secular
• sorcery
• theology
• vindicate

1. Wamba is known as the fool or the court jester. Is he really a fool? What role did fools play in medieval society?

2. When Bois-Guilbert tries to woo Rebecca, he promises her books and the opportunity to study with the greatest intellectuals in Europe, instead of the usual treasures. How does Bois-Guilbert know that Rebecca's intellectual curiosity would be tempted? Given the status of women in medieval society, how does Rebecca differ from other women? Does her religion play any role in her differences?

3. Rebecca is accused of being a witch and is condemned to burn at the stake. Why is Rebecca considered a witch? What are some of the accusations made against her?

4. Witchcraft was a common accusation in the 12th century. What role did witchcraft play? Why do you think individuals, women in particular, were susceptible to such accusations?

5. The Grand Master forcibly baptizes Isaac of York. Why does he do this?

1. Imagine that you are a sportscaster in the 13th century and you are assigned to report a jousting tournament. Give a play-by-play account of the matches.

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