Question

Read the excerpt from Ivanhoe.


"He calls me DEAR Rebecca," said the maiden to herself, "but it is in the cold and careless tone which ill suits the word. His war-horse—his hunting hound, are dearer to him than the despised Jewess!"


Through her words, Rebecca conveys how Ivanhoe despises her.


Why does Ivanhoe treat Rebecca so badly, causing her to compare herself to a "war-horse" and a "hunting hound"?


A. Because of Rebecca’s religious background, Ivanhoe feels that she, being Jewish, is far less a person than himself, being Christian.

B. Because of Rebecca’s willingness to take care of him, Ivanhoe sees her as only a servant who has no value in his eyes.

C. Because Rebecca is no better than a common animal in his eyes, Ivanhoe sees her in a subservient light.

D. Because Rebecca is helping to keep him a prisoner, Ivanhoe shows little respect toward her because she exhibits no honor.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Because of Rebecca’s religious background, Ivanhoe feels that she, being Jewish, is far less a person than himself, being Christian.

Explanation:

In "Ivanhoe," by Walter Scott, the prison chamber helps develop the interaction between Rebecca and Ivanhoe because he is wounded and unable to stand to watch the battle for himself. However, even though Ivanhoe's racist tone, Rebecca fights her loving feelings for him because she knows he will never love her back.