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Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Ivanhoe and Bois-Guilbert:
Wilfred of Ivanhoe and Bois-Guilbert act as foils to each other, demonstrating their differences more clearly through the juxtaposition of their characters and values. Ivanhoe epitomizes the chivalric ideals of valor and honor. As a knight, he adheres to the “code of chivalry,” which emphasizes the importance of bravery, courtesy, honor, and chastity. Ivanhoe's actions throughout the novel are guided by these principles, whether he is on the battlefield or at a banquet. His commitment to these ideals is almost unwavering, and he rarely strays.
In stark contrast, Bois-Guilbert is driven by personal ambition and obsession. He’s a member of the Knights Templar, a deeply religious sect of Christian warriors. However, his commitment to their cause is superficial; being a Templar is an effective way to pursue his own desires rather than to serve any higher moral or religious cause. Bois-Guilbert is willing to lie, murder, and steal in order to achieve his ends, and has difficulty seeing other people as his equals. His bullying, obsessive behavior with Rebecca, for instance, shows his willingness to subvert any principle for personal gain.
Fittingly, these men also have very different approaches to demonstrating love and loyalty. Ivanhoe's loyalty lies with King Richard, and they share a vision of a unified England under a just ruler. His actions are motivated by a deep-seated belief in the legitimacy of King Richard's rule. This loyalty is both political and moral, as Ivanhoe sees John as a traitor. Similarly, Ivanhoe's relationships with women—particularly Rowena and Rebecca—are respectful and honorable. This approach to interactions with ladies is consistent with the chivalric code. Ivanhoe is a “true” knight according to the chivalric laws.
Bois-Guilbert, however, aligns himself with the Templars and Prince John, and is driven more by opportunism than genuine allegiance or chivalry. His loyalty is ambiguous, shifting according to where he sees the greatest advantage for himself. This makes him an unreliable ally, whose support is contingent upon his own interests rather than internal principles. This is also how Prince John is described, as opposed to the steadfast Richard the Lionheart. Ivanhoe's vision for the future is one of peace, justice, and unity, where the “rightful” king returns to the throne. Bois-Guilbert's vision, in contrast, is one of personal gain regardless of the cost to others.
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Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Rebecca and Rowena:
In Ivanhoe, Rebecca and Rowena act as foils for each other, their contrasting characteristics amplifying the differences between them. Rebecca is a Jewish healer, who has grown up in a world which makes her feel unwelcome and persecuted. Her steadfastness and ability to stand firm in the face of adversity are a result of her experiences, and of her intense intelligence and devotion to living a life by her value system. Although she undergoes a huge amount of difficulties—kidnapping, antisemitism, violence, being tried as a witch—she consistently behaves with restraint and dignity. She’s highly educated and viewed as an authority figure by many in the Jewish community, which flies against the generally minimal authority women were permitted to exercise in the Middle Ages.
Rowena, a Saxon noblewoman, represents more traditional medieval feminine virtues in the story. She often seems passive and submissive, behaving as befits a “virtuous” woman according to the codes of chivalry. This passivity is not necessarily a weakness in her character: it’s a reflection of the societal role allotted to her as a noblewoman by birth. Rowena knows how to behave in order to garner the respect and attention of her peers, and uses her kindness and softness effectively as tools to protect herself. Her demeanor and actions, however, are in stark contrast to Rebecca’s assertiveness and independence.
The theme of love also differentiates Rebecca and Rowena in Ivanhoe. Rebecca's unrequited love for Ivanhoe fits the Romance genre's convention of “noble” affection, which is often one-sided. She loves Ivanhoe chastely and devotedly, although he doesn’t reciprocate her feelings. By contrast, Rowena's requited love for him aligns with traditional chivalric narratives of marriage and conquest; their relationship has a traditional arc that ends in marriage, consummation, and the uniting of their properties and assets.
Both women influence Ivanhoe in significant ways. Rebecca challenges him and forces him to grow beyond the confines of his upbringing and prejudices. His relationship with her makes him reexamine his understanding of the world, especially of women and non-Christian communities. Rebecca is a highly dynamic character, and she provides much of the energy that spurs Ivanhoe’s personal growth. By contrast, Rowena strengthens Ivanhoe’s links to heritage and tradition. As a Saxon noblewoman, she’s a comforting anchor to his past and the societal expectations of his birth.
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