Ivanhoe, Chapter 43 summary
Chapter 43 of 44 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 43, Rebecca refuses Bois-Guilbert’s offer of escape and waits beside the pyre until the wounded Wilfred of Ivanhoe arrives to defend her in combat. Both riders fall during their charge, but Bois-Guilbert dies without a wound from Ivanhoe’s lance, and the Grand Master interprets his defeat as divine judgment.
What happens
- Spectators gather at Templestowe, where Dennet, Allan-a-Dale, and Friar Tuck discuss conflicting stories about Athelstane.
- The Templars bring Rebecca to the pyre, and Malvoisin prevents a public oath by claiming Bois-Guilbert has already sworn.
- Rebecca maintains her innocence, receives more time for a champion to appear, and rejects Bois-Guilbert’s proposal to escape together.
- The exhausted Ivanhoe arrives, identifies himself, and provokes Bois-Guilbert into accepting combat despite his wounds.
- Both knights fall in the charge, but Ivanhoe rises and demands that his motionless opponent surrender.
- The Grand Master declares Bois-Guilbert defeated, discovers his death, and accepts the outcome as divine judgment.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Ivanhoé, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
The narrator identifies emotional conflict, not Ivanhoe’s weapon, as the cause of death. This distinguishes the stated cause from Beaumanoir’s religious interpretation.
Quick check
Why does Malvoisin claim Bois-Guilbert need not swear publicly?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Ivanhoé, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
