RELIGIOUS-ETHNIC CONFLICT TO LEON FEUCHTWANGER' "THE SPANISH BALLAD" AND WALTER SCOTT'S "IVANHOE"

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the problem of religious-ethnic conflict, based on the examples of The Spanish Ballad (1955) by Lion Feuchtwanger and Ivanhoe (1820) by Walter Scott. It examines the impact of religious and ethnic differences on the fate of the individual and shows how these factors determine the tragic development of the characters’ lives. The study is based on the comparative method, which allows for the identification of both similarities and differences between the texts through comparative analysis.

The life of Jewish characters is presented, on the one hand, through the father and daughter Rachel and Yehuda, and on the other, through Rebecca and Isaac, who likewise represent a father-child relationship. Despite their wealth and seemingly stable social standing, their lives are marked by constant danger. The good deeds performed by the Jewish characters and their peaceful way of life fail to ensure their safety, as society’s attitude toward them is rarely benevolent. Persecution, oppression, and the fear of death constitute a real threat and are an inseparable part of their daily existence. Rachel and Yehuda fall victim to religious-ethnic intolerance, while Rebecca and Isaac are ultimately forced to leave the country.

The study demonstrates that in an intolerant environment, individual freedom is significantly restricted, the possibility of personal happiness is denied, and human life is often led toward a tragic outcome. At the same time, it reveals that the forms of conflict differ: in Feuchtwanger’s work, it is more politicized and explicit, whereas in Scott’s novel it takes the form of social isolation.

Keywords: Lion Feuchtwanger, “Spanish Ballad“, Walter Scott, „Ivanhoe“, religious conflict.