The effects of Norman culture and language on the Saxons

Carleton D.

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The effects of Norman culture and language on the Saxons

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Norman Culture, Norman Language, Saxons, Norman invasion, linguistic changes, Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott

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Change is an inevitable part of existence. Throughout history man has evolved in terms of philosophy, theology, and ideology. Sir Walter Scott provides an identification of the additional elements involved in change through his novel, Ivanhoe. Societal and linguistic changes were the result of the Norman invasion covered by the plot of Ivanhoe. An analysis of the novel reveals the effects Norman culture and language had on the Saxons.

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott puts the effects of the Norman Culture into perspective
The Saxon culture established a separate identity from that of the Normans
Following the decline of the Saxons, the culture was assimilated into Norman culture
Both the Normans and Saxons initially refused to speak the other's language initially
With the assimilation of Norman into Saxon culture came the transition from Neoclassical to the Romantic era
The assimilation of Norman into Saxon culture provided a blend that transcended each

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[...] As a previously oppressed people, this seemed to be the least likely outcome. Despite their previous experience, the Saxons went on to oppress the Jews. The Christianity derived from Norman culture is identified as the root of this occurrence. (Bossche) Both the Normans and Saxons initially refused to speak the other's language initially. Despite various claims, both the Normans and Saxons spoke French. King Richard is specifically noted as an individual that spoke English. However, this is not true. He spoke French and knew little English. [...]

[...] An analysis of the novel reveals the effects Norman culture and language had on the Saxons. Summary Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott puts the effects of the Norman Culture into perspective. Within the novel, the tension between the Normans and Saxons is illustrated. The Saxons seem to be overpowered by the Normans. However, there are relationships between the two that allow a blending of the cultures. Following the story allows the audience to witness the establishment of the Romantic Era and the decline of the Neoclassical Period. [...]

[...] (Brown) The assimilation of Norman into Saxon culture provided a blend that transcended each. The product was a society that was neither Norman nor Saxon in nature. Instead, it was English. King Richard of the Norman culture sought a combination of Norman and Saxon culture under one rule. By the end of the story this union came to fruition. The two philosophies, Neoclassic and Romantic, became one. Cedric, father of Ivanhoe proclaimed, it too much that two Saxons, myself and the noble Athelstane, should hold land in the country which was once the patrimony of our (Scott) Wilfrid and Rowena's wedding was symbolic of the Norman and Saxon culture's combination. [...]

[...] Assimilating the Norman culture into that of the Saxons allowed English to prevail. Christianity gained popularity while the dislike for the Jewish religion grew. Further research may reveal additional effects caused by the Norman invasion. Works Cited Bossche, Chris R. Vanden. "Culture and Economy in Ivanhoe." Nineteenth- Century Literature (1987): 46-72. Brown, David D. Walter Scott and the historical imagination. Routledge Morillo, John, and Wade Newhouse. "HISTORY, ROMANCE, AND THE SUBLIME SOUND OF TRUTH IN" IVANHOE"." Studies in the Novel (2000): 267-295. [...]

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