Ivanhoe, Chapter 3 summary

What happens

1. Cedric waits in his hall, where seating, furnishings, and clothing mark differences in household rank.
2. Delayed supper and the absence of Gurth, the pigs, and Wamba make Cedric imagine robbery by Norman neighbors.
3. Cedric threatens revenge, then grows sorrowful as he addresses the absent Wilfred and laments his isolation.
4. A horn announces Prior Aymer and Brian de Bois-Guilbert, who request lodging while traveling toward a tournament.
5. Cedric orders generous care for the visitors but refuses to greet them beyond his customary distance from the dais.
6. Rowena’s interest in Palestine prompts Cedric to reject concern for his disobedient son, and the guests enter.

In this chapter

What to notice

Cedric declares a break with his son, but his earlier sorrow shows how painful that separation remains.

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