Walter Scott. "Ivanhoe" - a model of innovation in the historical genre

The work of the Scottish writer who created in the early nineteenth century is interesting to us today because Walter Scott has perfected the genre of the historical novel. Before him in English literature was the so-called "Gothic" novel and "antique". But the first from the point of view of Scott was too full of mysticism, and the language of the second was complex and incomprehensible to the modern reader.

After a long search, they created an improved structure of the novel on a historical theme. The writer redistributed the facts and fiction so that it became clear that nobody can stop the eternal course of history, even the most influential historical figure.

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

Walter Scott "Ivanhoe" (analysis)

A striking piece of British history was portrayed in the novel by Walter Scott. "Ivanhoe" is a work about the beginning of feudalism. Scott created "Ivanhoe" in 1820. Events refer to the end of a long and bloody struggle between the Normans and the Saxons (the 12th century). The historical background is the struggle for power during the reign of Richard the First (Lionheart) - a historical personality.

Knight Wilfred and Lady Raven - though the main, but fictional characters, which created Walter Scott. "Ivanhoe" is a close interlacing of love and political intrigues. The well-being of lovers is completely dependent on how historical events develop.

In support of the structure of the historical novel, created by Walter Scott, Ivanhoe acts against the background of colorful historical events, speaking on the side of King Richard. The hero characterizes devotion, the code of honor at the heart of all actions. Nothing can prevent him from acting in accordance with a sense of duty and remain faithful to his lady of heart.

Keeping incognito under the cloak of the pilgrim, Knight Wilfred Ivanhoe is the only one who has pitied poor Isaac, the usurer-moneylender. He gave him a place by the fire; He stood up for the honor of heir Cedric Sachs (that is, for his own honor, but anonymously). Then he summoned Boisguillebert, the unconquerable knight of the Temple, to battle; Saved the same Isaac from robbery and death; Defeated several times in the lists; Fought with King Richard; Participated in the Crusade; Saved the honor and life of the beautiful Rebekah (the daughter of Isaac). Never once throughout the narrative did Ivanhoe change the chivalrous notion of honor.

The novel is built on an exciting guessing of mysteries that arise during the plot (the secret of the successor of Cedric Sachs and the Pilgrim, Knight, Deprived Legacy, Black Knight). In addition, the work combines intrigue, bright spectacles and philosophical reflection of events.

Except Aivengo in the plot there is one more true knight, this time he is an historical figure. Of course, this is King Richard, who in the novel is most interested in the life of the wandering hero. For him, the glory he receives himself, with his own hand and sword, is more important than the victory at the head of a large army. Of course, the author realized that he created a romantic image, and he does not correspond to historical reality. But the scope of the idea of the work required precisely this interpretation of the image.

As for the philosophical understanding of the problems, at the wedding of the couple in love (Ivanhoe and Lady Rowena), the relatives of the two warring sides - noble Saxons and Normans - gradually realize that peace talks could become more successful than unreliable success in the inter-tribal 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 differences.

Although knightly times have long passed, but the novels of Walter Scott are still of interest to the modern reader. They are loved for their live intrigue, romantic adventurism and bright, lively images of heroes that have become part of the world classics.