Ivanhoe Quotes

In Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe, there are many instances of good triumphing over evil. Scott establishes the fact that the Saxons are inherently “good”, and are suffering under the harsh rule of the “evil” Normans. In the absence of King Richard, his weaker brother John has taken to ruling tyrannically over the Saxons. Through oppression, unfair treatment, and bigotry, the Normans are seen throughout the novel as a malevolent force to be reckoned with. However, several of the main characters’ actions are meant to illustrate good overcoming evil. Whether it be physical or figurative defeat, Scott continuously demonstrates the victory of good over evil. One instance of good defeating evil is Ivanhoe winning the tournament at Ashby de la Zouche as
He does not want his identity to be revealed due to the fact that he does not want his brother to know he has arrived back in England, so he disguises himself. But King Richard does not only have tangible victories over his enemies. He also has victory in his efforts to encourage cooperation between the Normans and the Saxons. In the novel, Normans are generally associated with cruelty and oppression. King Richard proves these stereotypes wrong by reigning justly over the nation, resulting in approval from not only the Normans, but the Saxons as well. He speaks with “a tone of majesty suited to the high rank, and no less distinguished character of Coeur de Lion” (Scott 360). Richard is a noble king who treats his subjects with the same amount of respect, regardless of their descent. However, his brother Prince John behaves poorly toward the Saxons, and his actions reflect upon the Norman people, which only exacerbates the tension between the two rival