W alter Scott. "Ivanhoe" - an example of innovation in the historical genre

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The work of the Scottish writer, who worked at the beginning of the nineteenth century, is interesting to us today because W alter Scott improved the genre of the historical novel. Before him, in English literature there was the so-called "Gothic" novel and "antique". But the first, from Scott's point of view, was too full of mysticism, and the language of the second was complex and incomprehensible to the modern reader.

After a long search, he created an improved structure of the novel on a historical theme. The writer redistributed facts and fiction so that it became clear that no one, even the most influential historical figure, can stop the eternal course of history.

Of all the novels that W alter Scott created, Ivanhoe is the most famous. Following Shakespeare, the writer fundamentally departed from his historical chronicles. Real personalities in his novels rather serve as a background, and in the foreground of events are fictional characters whose fate is affected by the changehistorical eras.

W alter Scott "Ivanhoe" (analysis)

A bright segment of the history of England was depicted in the novel by W alter Scott. "Ivanhoe" is a work about the beginning of feudalism. Created by Scott "Ivanhoe" in 1820. The events refer to the end of the long and bloody struggle between the Normans and the Saxons (12th century). The historical background is the struggle for power during the reign of Richard the First (Lionheart) - a historical figure.

Knight Wilfred and Lady Ravena - though the main, but fictional characters created by W alter Scott. "Ivanhoe" is a close interweaving of love and political intrigues. The well-being of lovers is completely dependent on how historical events develop.

In confirmation of the structure of the historical novel, which was created by W alter Scott, Ivanhoe acts against the backdrop of colorful historical events, speaking on the side of King Richard. The hero is characterized by devotion, a code of honor at the heart of all actions. Nothing can stop him from acting in accordance with his sense of duty and being faithful to his lady of the heart.

Keeping incognito under the cloak of a pilgrim, the knight Wilfred Ivanhoe is the only one who took pity on poor Isaac, a Jewish usurer. He gave him a place by the fire; interceded for the honor of Cedric Sax's heir (that is, for his own honor, but anonymously). Then he challenged Boisguillebert, the invincible knight of the Temple; saved the same Isaac from robbery and death; won several times on the lists; fought with King Richard; participated in the Crusade; savedhonor and life of the beautiful Rebekah (daughter of Isaac). Not once throughout the story did Ivanhoe change the knightly concept of honor.

The novel is built on an exciting guessing of the secrets that arise during the course of the plot (the secret of the heir of Cedric Sax and the pilgrim, the Knight, the Disinherited, the Black Knight). In addition, the work combines intrigue, vivid spectacles and philosophical understanding of events.

Besides Ivanhoe, there is another true knight in the plot, this time he is a historical figure. Of course, this is King Richard, who in the novel is most interested in the life of a wandering hero. For him, the glory that he receives on his own, with his own hand and sword, is more important than victory at the head of a large army. Of course, the author understood that he created a romantic image, and it far from corresponds to historical reality. But the framework of the idea of the work required just such an interpretation of the image.

As for the philosophical understanding of problems, at the wedding of a couple in love (Ivanhoe and Lady Rowena), relatives from two warring parties - noble Saxons and Normans - gradually realize that peace negotiations could become more successful than an unreliable success in intertribal war. As a result, the union of the two tribes gave their peoples years of peace and prosperity. As far as we all know, these tribes have merged so much that today they have lost all distinctions.

Although chivalrous times are long gone, but the novels of W alter Scott are still interesting to the modern reader. They are loved for lifeintrigue, romantic adventurism and bright, lively images of heroes, included in the world classics.