The first week of July is now behind us and summer has a firm hold on our heads. With it comes a beautiful Sunday and hot and sunny day ahead. In looking ahead at our book study of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle, we have a section of the novel dedicated to Little John, and we then move toward Robin’s adventures with Will Scarlet.
For me, Robin Hood embodies summertime adventures. In this way, I am reminded of summer forests and exploits when I was a young boy. It’s all very summery to me.
Last Week
We began last week by reading the first five chapters of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. We learned about Robin and his life as an outlaw and his new existence as a justiciar of Sherwood Forest.
We then read about the background of the novel, how and why it was written, and a little about the author, Howard Pyle. Additionally, we looked at how fokloric language can help convey complex ideas with simple prose; and, we read about the role of justice in shaping literary heroes.
On Thursday, we read about Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott and how it relates to the story of Robin Hood. Lastly, on Friday, we read the ballad “Robin Hood and the Monk.”
Next Week
Looking ahead, there’s much to read and study!
Monday: The Reading of Robin Hood, Chapters 6-10
Tuesday: Background Knowledge, Life in Medieval England
Wednesday: Writing Craft, Character Development in Robin Hood
Thursday: Literary Analysis: What makes a villain?
Friday: Book List, the Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
Saturday: Poetry: “Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne”
Sunday: Reflections
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