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A&E Original Movie

Ivanhoe: Part 6

This A & E miniseries presents Sir Walter Scott's epic adventure, Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe is the story of King Richard's return to England, and the fight against the factions loyal to his scheming half-brother, Prince John. At the center of this intrigue is the disinherited young Saxon knight Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, whose chivalrous instincts pit him against the powerful Templar Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert--and against the passions of his own heart. Ivanhoe would be useful for classes on Medieval history and literature. It is appropriate for high school.

Part 6: King Richard assures his supporters that Ivanhoe never betrayed him, clearing the way for Ivanhoe's marriage to Rowena. Ivanhoe then learns of Rebecca's fate, and a devastated Rowena begs him not to ride to her defense. But Ivanhoe will not miss the chance to fight Bois-Guilbert--and finally right old wrongs.

Vocabulary

• absolution
• anguish
• benevolence
• confounded
• devious
• dotage
• impudence
• inadequate
• insolence
• malice
• mourning
• seduction
• sully
• taunt
• usurp
• wrath

Discussion Questions

1. Multi-part movies or series use the technique of cliffhangers to build suspense and keep the viewer interested in the next segment. How are cliffhangers used in Ivanhoe? Are they effective? Did they instill a desire to view the next segment?
2. Ivanhoe seems to love both Rowena and Rebecca. Who does he really love? Does he love them both? Is that possible?
3. Bois-Gilbert tells Ivanhoe that he is brave enough to die for Rebecca. Throughout the story he is portrayed as callous and evil. Is he? Or is he an honorable man?
4. Discuss the strange code of medieval honor among enemies.
5. The ending of Ivanhoe is full of character and plot twists. Do the characters behave as you might have expected? Discuss the dimensions and depth of Ivanhoe's characters.
6. How do honor and duty prevail in Ivanhoe?
7. Why does Rebecca lie to Rowena and deny the love between herself and Ivanhoe? Why does she make such a large sacrifice?
8. Might the story have ended differently if Rebecca were Christian?

Extended Activities

1. Compare the novel Ivanhoe with the series Ivanhoe. How do they differ? How are they alike? What concessions must be made in order to bring a novel to life on the screen? In what area is the book superior? In what area is the series superior?