Ivanhoe

King Richard and his younger brother Prince John both appear as characters in the novel, with Scott often commenting on their larger role in English history. How does Scott portray Richard and John? How is his portrayal of these figures conditioned by their historical significance? How do these figures illustrate some of the novel’s key themes?

Critics have often regarded Ivanhoe as a more middling or “average” protagonist than many of the heroes one usually encounters in epic and romance. Unlike, for instance, the heroes of Greek mythology, Ivanhoe does not possess any exceptional or superhuman abilities or skills. Do you agree with this evaluation? How does Scott’s depiction of Ivanhoe reflect the broader thematic or historical concerns of the novel?

What is the role of chivalry in the novel? Consider characters such as Ivanhoe, Bois-Guilbert, and King Richard, who represent different aspects of Medieval chivalry. How do these characters illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of chivalry?