Racism in Ivanhoe Anonymous College

The Normans and the Saxons have expected racism throughout the novel but the ultimate racism is against the Jews. While both Normans and Saxons dislike each other with a somewhat good reason, both, however, are outrageously callous towards Isaac and Rebecca with no real reason. Though Isaac has his flaws, these flaws have no addition to the treatment he receives, shown through the initial introduction of Isaac upon asking for a place to stay to evade the storm. Further, Isaac will be treated with humiliation, both attempted and actual robbery, and brutal attacks all because of his race and religion. The Normans and Saxons do have a real feud with arguably great reason but the Jews have committed no such havoc. From the start of the novel, the reader is immediately engrossed into this feud and hear Gurth and Wamba speaking of their dislike for the Normans. This quarrel inspires Wamba to deliberately misdirect the Norman travelers and causes Gurth to even threaten them. “Gurth darted at him a savage and revengeful scowl, and with a fierce yet hesitating motion laid his hand on the haft of his knife”[1] Thus showing the increasing hatred between the races. However, this hatred is expected and is not without cause and therefore it...