1a. What associates of Robin are mentioned by name in the ballad? How many of Robin's associates show up at the church near the end of the ballad?
2a. Who is the "youngster" dressed in scarlet mentioned in the third stanza?
3a. What deal does Allen a Dale strike with Robin Hood? How does Robin fulfill his part of the bargain? What warning does Robin make to the assembled crowd at the end of the ballad?
4a. Whom was Allen a Dale's beloved being forced to marry? Compare this character to the character of Allen, based on the descriptions of each given in the ballad.
5a. Was Robin Hood justified in stealing the bride away from the knight and setting Little John up as bishop to perform the wedding? Why, or why not?
1b. How do Robin and his associates earn their living?
2b. How does the mood of the youngster dressed in scarlet change from the first day to the next? What causes this change in mood?
3b. What indication does the ballad give that Robin administers justice even though he lives outside the law?
4b. What attitude toward the upper class is exhibited in this ballad? Why might those who popularized this ballad, the common people of the Middle Ages, have such an attitude?
5b. What can we learn about the customs and values of medieval England by reading this ballad? What modern outlaw heroes can you recall from popular film, television, and print? What conclusions can you draw from these individuals about our modern values? Have our values changed?
Oral Tradition. What phrase in the ballad indicates an assumption that the ballad will be performed orally, rather than read from print?
Rhyme Scheme. What is the rhyme scheme of the following lines? Little Miss Muffett Sat on a tuffet, Eating her curds and whey; When along came a spider, Who sat down beside her And frightened Miss Muffett away.
Inciting Incident. What is the inciting incident in "Robin Hood and Allen a Dale"?
Incremental Repetition. What phrases are repeated between Robin and Allen in this ballad?
Proverb. What traditional saying is used ironically in line 96? In what way is this ironic?
Resolution. What is the resolution of "Robin Hood and Allen a Dale"?
1. Imagine that you are the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and have been ordered by the knight to arrest Robin Hood and Little John for the crime of stealing his bride and impersonating a bishop. Write the copy for a wanted poster for the two outlaws.
2. A motto is a brief sentence or phrase that expresses the principles or ideals of a person or group. Imagine that you are Robin Hood and write a motto which, in a few catchy words, expresses the ideals of your band of "Merry Men."
3. Write a ballad of your own, describing some current event or school happening. You should use the traditional abcb rhyme scheme and make your ballad at least five stanzas.
Modern English.Rewrite the following stanzas in modern English. You will find that keeping the rhyme scheme and meter is nearly impossible, but do attempt to maintain the meaning of the original. Come listen to me, you gallants so free, All you that love mirth for to hear, And I will you tell of a bold outlaw, That lived in Nottinghamshire. As Robin Hood in the forest stood, All under the greenwood tree, There was he aware of a brave young man, As fine as fine might be.
Comparing Oral Traditions. Research and compare the American oral tradition to the British oral tradition. It may be helpful to use Motifs of the Folktale, by Stith Thompson, or The Masks of God, by Joseph Campbell. Try to find two or three themes, characters, or stories that recur in both countries' oral traditions.
