Sir Walter Scott Appreciation discussion

Thoughts on the book so far?

Scott studied a lot on chivalry of the time and it shows in a lot of Ivanhoe. However, Scott had the Knights; Bois-Guilbert, De Bracy and Front-de-Bouef all display non chivalrous behaviour whereas Cedric's followers, his jester and swineherd, the most. Interesting? Was Scott saying chivalry is more to do with the heart than the taking of an oath?

The mad Ulrica is a startling character being juxtaposed to Rebecca who more than ever appears as a true saint. Again, what is Scott saying?

I have just read the chapter in which Rebecca describes the battle for the castle, chapter 29. Rebecca and Ivanhoe have a discussion about war and chivalry. To put it bluntly, Ivanhoe is an ignorant bigot and Rebecca is the enlightened one of the two. She is the voice of reason and humanity, whereas he is obsessed with honour. She even asks what the obsession with honour leads to, but he just doesn't get it.
I agree with you, Tracey, Gurth and the jester know more about honour than the Normans as they are portrayed in this book.
I am have real issues with the attitudes of the characters to the Jewish people. I know it is representative of the time, but it is spoiling the book for me somewhat.

Rosemarie wrote: "I have just read the chapter in which Rebecca describes the battle for the castle, chapter 29. Rebecca and Ivanhoe have a discussion about war and chivalry. To put it bluntly, Ivanhoe is an ignoran..."

I know the attitude in one today would be offensive but I find it interesting and worthwhile to keep in mind where we have come from because we can so easily return there (I am sure Donald Trump would have loved living in that time period and would like to return us all to the Dark Ages).

Unfortunately, your are correct, Tracey.
Ivanhoe as a character is about as interesting as Rowena, which is not good since he is the title character of the book.

Rosemarie wrote: "Unfortunately, your are correct, Tracey.
Ivanhoe as a character is about as interesting as Rowena, which is not good since he is the title character of the book."

Scott had the capacity to make his characters interesting, so why did he make these two so luke warm and Rebecca and Bois Guilbert so passionate and alive? Making a point?