For this novel, Scott moved far away from the setting of his own turbulent time. He went back to the late 12th century, and to England rather than the Scottish settings of all his previous novels. He connected his writing Ivanhoe with his concerns about contemporary events.
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, first published in 1819, is a historical novel set in 12th-century England, during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. The story centers on the character of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight who returns from the Crusades to find his family divided by political and social tensions. Ivanhoe is loyal to King Richard, but his father, Cedric the Saxon, is a supporter of Prince John, the scheming brother of the king.
The novel weaves together themes of chivalry, loyalty, and national identity, as Ivanhoe is caught between his loyalty to the crown and his love for Rowena, a noblewoman, while also contending with the dangers posed by the Norman invaders. The plot is filled with romance, adventure, and battles, featuring iconic characters such as the outlaw Robin Hood and the Jewish woman Rebecca, whose love for Ivanhoe creates further tension in the story.
Ivanhoe is one of the most influential works of historical fiction and helped to popularize the genre. It is known for its richly detailed portrayal of medieval England and its exploration of themes related to honor, class, and the struggle for justice.
Published on by eBooks
Categories: Fiction Historical Literature Classics