Ivanhoe Essay, Research Paper

Character Analysis of Wilfred of Ivanhoe

Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a heroic English prince, through out the story undergoes many mental and physical changes. His respect, bravery and loyalness lead him to strive for success. By following in his fathers footsteps, Ivanhoe tremendously matures through out the novel.

Ivanhoe was the son of Cedric of Saxon. Ivanhoe falls in love with his fathers ward and is disowned by his father. The king steps in and adopts Ivanhoe. Even though Ivanhoe was abondoned, he never loses respect for his true father. Cedric, of Norman beliefs, stays with his hatred through all of the novel. When the castle burns, Cedric is asked weather defeat id visible and responds “Not so, by the soul of Hereward.”

After denouncing Ivanhoe’s beliefs, any man would want blood for such comments, but because Ivanhoe is the son of Cedric, his respect for his father overcomes him and brushes the comments off.

Ivanhoe was born of royal blood. His father King Richard the Lion Heart was imprisoned by the Austrians on his way back from the crusades. Ivanhoe set his eye on freeing his father and glorifying his country of England. Ivanhoe carried” the will of his father in his heart.” He courageously goes to battle to fight for his country in the crusades. Ivanhoe had no fears when it came to fighting. Because of his bravery, England was saved in the crusades. Ivanhoe’s motto of ” Death is better than defeat” shows that he has no fear of being killed. Through out the novel, Ivanhoe undergoes many battles and successfully defeats his foes. By being so brave, Ivanhoe is able to capture the heart of his future bride.

Ivanhoe’s loyalty towards his bride is amazingly strong. Rebecca, an evil princess of the Austrian empire, tries to hammer a wedge between the Ivanhoe and his bride, but only makes the love stronger between Ivanhoe and Rowena. Ivanhoe’s focus on life is tremendously similar to that of his father whom he followed so closely in his footsteps. Ivanhoe is distracted by many setbacks including the unwise and unruly love of Rebecca.

Ivanhoe with Locksley, a friend made on one mission, borrows from the rich and helps the poor. Ivanhoe and his men never give up and fight to the end for their country. With the odds against them, Ivanhoe and his men surprisingly carry out their plans and free the true king of England.

Ivanhoe matures rapidly and quickly in the novel. By following in his fathers footsteps, Ivanhoe is able to follow guidelines of morality preestablished by his father. Because of Ivanhoe’s determination, bravery and loyalness, he matures greatly and gains success.