Ivanhoe Chapter 36 Summary

  • This chapter's epigraph is another passage from that fictional "Old Play" Scott uses as a cover for his own poetry. The speaker of the passage tells people not to look down on those who act or pretend for a living. After all, everybody lies – from beggars to clergymen.
  • Philip Malvoisin's brother Albert is a member of the Order of the Knights Templar and the President of the Templar society at Templestowe.
  • Lucas Beaumanoir accuses Albert of helping Bois-Guilbert hide Rebecca at Templestowe.
  • Albert realizes that both he and Bois-Guilbert are going to be ruined unless he thinks of something fast.
  • When Beaumanoir describes Rebecca as "a Jewish sorceress" (36.10), Albert plays along.
  • Albert was wondering how a good knight like Bois-Guilbert could suddenly fall so hard for a woman he didn't know. But of course, it's because Rebecca is a witch!
  • Albert also explains that he only brought Rebecca here because the holiness of this place would stop them from breaking Bois-Guilbert's vow of chastity.
  • Albert reminds him that they don't want to lose Bois-Guilbert, since he's been so strong in the Crusades.
  • Beaumanoir's anti-Semitism and hatred of women makes him eager to pick Rebecca as the sole target of his anger. He resolves to judge and condemn her for witchcraft.
  • Albert slips away to talk to Bois-Guilbert.
  • Bois-Guilbert is furious because Rebecca absolutely refuses to have sex with him.
  • Albert is mad because Bois-Guilbert could have tons of women less difficult than Rebecca.
  • Albert tells Bois-Guilbert that Beaumanoir knows Rebecca is at Templestowe.
  • Albert says there's no way for Bois-Guilbert to rescue her.
  • Bois-Guilbert doesn't want to let Rebecca die. But he also doesn't want to give up his position and honor as a Knight Templar.
  • The trial is set to begin immediately – Beaumanoir doesn't want to waste any time in condemning Rebecca.
  • Beaumanoir's friend Conrade tells Albert to find more damaging proof of Rebecca's guilt – even if he has to make it up.
  • If Albert helps Beaumanoir convict Rebecca, he'll get a better posting in the south of England.
  • Albert goes to bribe Philip Malvoisin and his followers to testify against Rebecca.
  • When the guards arrive at Rebecca's room, she's happy to see them.
  • She thinks that if she can just explain everything to a judge she will be free of Bois-Guilbert.
  • As she walks into the main hall, someone stuffs a paper into her hand.
  • She doesn't read the message right away. She is just happy to know that she has a friend in the room.