Ivanhoe Character Sketch: Rebecca

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Rebecca Unreturned love torments the soul. One of the most sorrowful of life’s experiences is that of loving someone who does not hold the same values or possess mutual love. Rebecca held a secret regard for Ivanhoe that she did not understand. She delighted in the mere presence of him and felt that no harm could befall her as long as she remained there, even though he was willing to jeopardize her life for the sake of his own knowledge. She found that speech was difficult around him and that her mannerisms were involuntarily sensitive toward him; his words toward her were only kind when she had something to offer him. Rebecca felt a concern for Ivanhoe’s safety that he did not express toward her. She finds herself conflicted with guilt for loving him because he does not aspire to honor the morals of her own race, and yet places her thoughts of self-worth in his value for her. Sir Walter Scott depicts the character of Rebecca as one of strong, compassionate morals that do not waver even for Ivanhoe, for whom it seems Rebecca would complete almost anything. Rebecca shows great empathy toward Ivanhoe by responding first to his injury. She concerns herself with his recovery and safety when he would rather take up the sword and join his fellow knights in battle. Right away Ivanhoe seems to trust her as he proceeds to ask a series of inquiries and favors of her. Although Ivanhoe seems to disregard her feelings for him, it would appear that the fault for her misinterpretation lies partly with him in how he addresses her. When he calls her “dear Rebecca”, she takes notice in the tone of his voice: “He calls me dear Rebecca, but it is in the cold and careless tone which ill suits the word.” Ivanhoe refers to her with such titles as “gentle maiden”, “kind maiden”, “fair Rebecca”, and “bright lady love”, all of which possess a certain sense of endearment. Rebecca
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