Ivanhoe, Chapter 42 summary
Chapter 42 of 44 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 42, Richard reveals his identity and secures Cedric’s forgiveness for Ivanhoe, while Athelstane interrupts his own funeral observances and describes imprisonment by monks seeking his property. Athelstane accepts Richard as king and gives up Rowena, but Ivanhoe and Richard separately leave after speaking with a Jewish visitor.
What happens
- Cedric guides Richard and the disguised Ivanhoe through funeral observances, introducing them to Edith and Rowena.
- Richard reveals his identity and claims Cedric’s promised favor to reconcile him with Ivanhoe, though Cedric demands two years of mourning for Rowena.
- Athelstane appears in burial clothes and explains that a sword blow merely stunned him.
- He describes how monks drug, bind, and imprison him before a careless sacristan enables his escape.
- Rejecting Cedric’s political hopes, Athelstane pledges allegiance to Richard and renounces his claim to Rowena.
- Ivanhoe leaves after speaking with a Jewish visitor; Richard follows after questioning the same man, and Athelstane calls everyone remaining to supper.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Athelstane explains why captivity changes his political aims. His acceptance of Richard defeats Cedric’s hopes of advancing a rival Saxon ruler.
Quick check
How does Richard obtain Cedric’s forgiveness for Ivanhoe?
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