Reading Notes: Robin Hood, Part B

The Bishop of Hereford: I liked when the author said 'Robin Hood dressed himself in shepherd's attire.' The repetition of 'before the king you shall go' gives the story's plot clarity.

Little John a Begging: The title alone draws my attention because Little John is a scary guy, so I am wondering who could cause him to beg and for what. While reading this story I noticed that I imagine all the characters being bubbly because of the rhyming, but they are actually fighting frequently in the stories.

The Bishop: I enjoyed reading the dialect between the old woman and Robin Hood, especially after she agrees to allow him to stay with her.

The Golden Prize: Robin Hood was able to teach someone a lesson in this story without using violence. I thought that was an interesting turn of events. I was a bit confused because I did not think the priests would get anything from hiding the money, but when he found the money he said each person can take one part.

Maid Marian: I am excited to read this story because this is the first tale based on a female character. I thought Marian was brave and clever to disguise herself and find Robin Hood. This is my favorite story from the unit.

The King: I thought the names of the towns, Fountain-abby and Barnsdale, were creative and gave the story some character. 'Taste of our green-wood cheer' was charming word usage.

The Valiant Knight: Knight Sir William sounds like a familiar character. I liked when the author described the clothing as 'glittering armour bright.'  It was sad reading Robin Hood's death, but the final paragraph was a great ending.

Robin Hood's Death: Including two endings to a series of stories is very unique. I thought this ending was better because Little John was included more, and he was Robin Hood's most loyal companion so he should be.  

Image Information: Movie Poster for the Robin Hood Film in 1922, Web Source: Wikimedia Commons


Bibliography: The English and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child, Web Source: Robin Hood Unit
 

Reading Notes: Robin Hood, Part A

Progress to Nottingham: I really enjoyed the rhyme scheme in the story. The introduction of Robin Hood's character was very attention grabbing. It is a good idea to tell where the character came from before diving into stories about them because this gives your story more depth.

John Little: It is so ironic that this big, bulky man is called 'Little John.' I really enjoyed reading how their relationship formed, and the author did a good job of independently introducing John before beginning the story.

The Ranger: 'Forester bold' is very nice word usage. I have to admit I am use to reading short stories with consistent rhyming, so reading something lengthy slightly takes away from the plot itself.

The Bold Pedlar: 'All shall gang with thee' made me smile because I thought of the common phrase 'gang' but he was just referring to his pack. I am glad no one was seriously hurt from the fight.

The Shepherd: This story was the easiest to read. I think the words flowed better, especially when there was dialogue between characters. My favorite line was: 'this hook of mine shall let thee know a coward I do hate.'

Robin Hood's Delight: I love the time descriptions in this story: midsummer's day, or 'from eight a clock till two and past.'  This story seemed to take bits and pieces of The Bold Pedlar and The Shephred. 

 The Pedlars: 'It pierst the skin of his backe within' was great word usage. The 'trash talk' in these stories is all so entertaining.

Allen a Dale: I thought the pair up of Robin Hood and this villain, dressed in scarlet red, was a great protagonist/antagonist combo. It kind of bothered me that the name in the title was spelled differently than in the story. I did not expect a marriage to take place in the story.

Image Information: Robin Hood and Little John by Louis Rhead, Web Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bibliography: The English and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child, Web Source: Robin Hood Unit