The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Preface-Prologue

Reading Check

1. Why is Robin Hood considered an outlaw after he shoots a deer?

2. What is the name of the band of outlaws that Robin assembles?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Robin Hood beloved by his men and the country folk in and around Nottingham?

2. Why does the Sheriff of Nottingham want to bring Robin Hood to justice?

Paired Resource

Henry II

• This 10-minute video describes the history of King Henry II.
• Who are the two people who succeed Henry II as king? How did Henry II eventually ascend to the throne? What was Henry’s son John nicknamed? What was the nickname of Henry’s son Richard? How is this video related to the novel’s theme of Fellowship and Loyalty Destroys Enmity?

Sherwood Forest

• This encyclopedia article offers a brief description of Sherwood Forest and its relation to the legends of Robin Hood.
• What county is Sherwood Forest located in? Who did the forest once belong to? What has kept the forest preserved from agricultural invasion? How is the location of the novel related to the theme of Nature Cures Society’s Ills?

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. Why do the citizens of Nottingham shy away from the Sheriff’s reward for Robin Hood’s capture?

2. How does the Sheriff of Nottingham intend to lure and capture Robin Hood?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Robin Hood’s attitude toward the Tinker reveal about his character?

2. How is Will Stutely captured by the Sheriff’s men?

Paired Resource

The Vigilantes of the Oppressed  

• This essay opens with a definition of “vigilante” and surveys popular crime novels in which members of marginalized communities become vigilantes, seeking justice outside of official legal channels. 

Part 2, Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. After Robin tires of being confined to Sherwood Forest, what does he disguise himself as?

2. What does the Sheriff invite Little John to do after winning the archery contest?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How is the Sheriff duped by Robin Hood when the Sheriff had intended to trick him into selling cattle for a low price?

2. Why does Robin Hood disapprove of Little John’s actions after leaving the Sheriff’s castle?

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. Why is Little John sent to Ancaster?

2. What nickname does Robin give will Gamwell?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What happens to Robin and his companions when they attempt to hold up a miller?

2. What does Little John’s decision to stay with the Sheriff and at the Blue Boar Inn say about his character?

Part 4, Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is Allan a Dale’s occupation?

2. What is the name of the Curtal Friar?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Robin Hood seek out the Curtal Friar?

2. How does Robin scheme to grant the minstrel his wishes?

Part 5, Chapters 1-2

Reading Check

1. Who does Robin ask to help Sir Richard of Lea?

2. What does David of Doncaster beat William of the Scar at?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Sir Richard of Lea repay Robin Hood for helping him to pay for his lands?

2. How do Robin Hood and his men justify stealing?

Paired Resource

The Church in Medieval Europe

• This 5-minute video explains why the Medieval Church was so powerful.
• What are the reasons the Medieval Church was powerful? How do the clergymen in the novel reflect some of the religious attitudes of the day?

The Crusades

• This 5-minute video explains the significance and purpose of the Crusades.
• Why did western Europeans fight in the Crusades? Why were crusaders often inspired to fight in the wars?

Part 6, Chapters 1-2

Reading Check

1. What is Little John disguised as when he encounters the women carrying eggs at the market?

2. What is the corn dealer notorious for?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What clever tactic does Little John use to obtain shillings from the clergymen who say they have none? Why did he leave only one shilling per clergyman?

2. Why do the beggars reject Robin while he is dressed as a beggar?

Part 7 Chapters 1-2

Reading Check

1. What does Queen Eleanor want Robin Hood to participate in?

2. What character joins in the hunt for Robin Hood?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Robin Hood escape capture by the king?

2. What does Robin’s deference to Queen Eleanor reveal about his character?

Part 8, Chapters 1-2

Reading Check

1. Who takes the throne after King Henry dies?

2. Who have the Bishop of Herefordshire and the Sheriff of Nottingham sent to capture Robin?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does King Richard the Lionheart disguise himself?

2. How does King Richard reconcile the situation with the Merry Men?

Paired Resource

Richard The Lionheart

• This 9-minute video describes Richard’s rise to power in England.
• How did Richard the Lionheart become king of England? What was John’s role in Richard’s ascension? How did John make use of his time while Richard was fighting in the Crusades? How does Richard’s character compare to Pyle’s depiction of him in the novel? How is this video related to the theme of Fellowship and Loyalty Destroys Enmity?

Epilogue

Reading Check

1. What does Robin Hood decide to do after visiting Sherwood Forest?

2. Who sends the Sheriff of Nottingham to capture Robin Hood?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Robin Hood die?

2. How does Robin Hood respond to Little John’s declarations on the nunnery?

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• The Thief Lord on SuperSummary

The False Prince by Jennifer A Nielsen

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• The False Prince on SuperSummary