Norwich bulletin., 1922-08-08
Famous Literary Mysteries
WAS REBEoCA CRATE THE HERO
 INE OF "IVANHOE"

HAb h6hEOCA GhATE THE HEhO-
 INE OF "IVANHOE"
 Did Sir Walter Scott, novelist, select for the heroine of his "Ivanhoe" Rsbecca Grats, a Philadelphian? He is credited with having done 50, and especially by Washington Irving, the American nov elist. Scott gives no evidence of this in the notes that are connected with the novel, nor in any writing that have been found. The story of "Ivanhoe" is that of the crusades, but the poor, sim pie, selfsacrifcing character of Rebec eA of the novel is a close prototype of the Philadelphia Hebrew woman who labored so arduously and for so many years for the well-heing of others, especially in the foundation of religious, educational and charitable institutions.
 Washington Irving was a frequent vis- l itor at the Gratz home in Philadelphia, l and his only love, Matilda Hoffman, of | New York, was an intimate friend of Miss Gratz Irving had, on many cc- easiona noted the excellent qualities of Miss Gratz and he suggested her to Scott when the novelist was about to write has 'Ivanhoe" with typical He brew woman as the heroine Scott is said to have sent the first edition of the work to Irving with this question: "How 1 do you like Rebecca? Does the Rebecca have pictured compare well with the | pattern given?'
 There are great many who doubt this story, but here are the circumstance eS Irving and Scott were close friends. During one of their many conversations, Irving says, he spoke of his own and Miss Hoffman's cherished friend, T;ebec- ca Gratz, describing her wonderful beauty. relating her firm adherence to ait hA circumstances and particularly illus trated her loveliness of character and jealous philanthropy.
 Scott was deeply impressed and con- ceived the plan of embodying the pure moral sentiment that like thread of sil- yer ran through the story. Although } Rob Roy' was then unfinished, he was already revolving in his mind the plot and characters of ''Ivanhoe." He decid- ed to introduce Hebrew female charae- ter and. on the strength of Irving's vivid description, he named his heroine ReSec- ca.
 The source of the character was
 known to Miss Gratz, upon whom Irving
 had made his first call when he returned to Philadelphia to superintend the pub.
 lication of his works. Shrinking, as she
 did, from any publicity. should seldom ) acknowledge the fact and when pressed } upon the subject would deftly evade it by
 change of topic. The resemblance i.
 closely marked in many points ot Irving met Scott through a letter 0 introduction from Thomas Campbell
 Campbell was aware of the fact tha
 Scott was great admirer of the genfuI
 of the American. They were clos
 friends through life. Here is Scott opinion of Irving as expressed in a let ter to John Richardson:
 When you see Tom Campbell tell hin
 with my love that have to thank hin
 for making me known to Mir. Washing n ton Irving, who Is one of the pleas s antest acquaintances I have made thi d many a day.
 Irving's opinion of Scott Is given f
 letter to Paulding: "I cannot expres e my delight at his character and mar q ners. He Is sterling. good-hearted ol 4 worthy, full of the joyeusness of youti
 with charming simplicity of manner
 that puts you at ease at once."
 The exact truth as to what extent th < influence of Irving had upon Scott 'e patterning his heroine after the Phils 7 delrhia Hebrew woman will never |
 known. but in spite of those who b.
 heve to the contrary. there is lit, E doubt but that Rebecca Gra4z is u f. 'Rehecca" of 'Tvanhoe.'