264 Questions
What was the sound that Robin found deafening?
The sound of the bells
Where were all the bells of London ringing from?
St. Mary le Bow, St. Swithin’s, and St. Paul’s
What was expected of Robin as the son of his father?
To be sent away to live in the household of another knight and learn the ways of knighthood
What advice did Robin's father give him before riding off to the Scottish wars?
To not forget to be brave
What does Robin become unable to do the day after his mother's departure?
Move his legs
What does Robin do when Dame Ellen brings him porridge?
He flings the porridge
What does Robin do while waiting for Ellen's return?
Examines the carvings in the hall
Why does Robin wish his mother were there to care for him?
He becomes ill and unable to move his legs
Who is supposed to take Robin to Sir Peter de Lindsay?
John-the-Fletcher
What does Robin hear but is unable to see out of the window?
Happening in the street below
What does Ellen try to coax Robin to do?
Eat
Why does Ellen leave in anger?
Robin flings the porridge she brought
What does Robin wish for while waiting for Ellen's return?
Ellen to bring something he likes
Who does Robin anticipate bringing food?
Dame Ellen
What does Robin do when Ellen doesn't come back?
Spends hours examining the carvings in the hall
What is the reason for Robin's departure from his mother?
Spreading plague
What does Brother Luke do to help Robin reach the monastery?
Carries him on a horse
How does Robin feel about returning home?
Fearful
What does Robin become excited about making?
A boat out of a piece of pine
How does the arrival of May in the text get described?
With blooming flowers in the fields
How does Robin initially feel within the monastery?
Isolated and alone
What does Brother Luke encourage Robin to engage in?
Wood whittling
How does Robin feel about eating initially?
Reluctant
What is the hospice within the monastery described as?
A bustling place with many visitors
What does Robin become accustomed to within the monastery?
Regular activities and sounds
How does Robin feel as Brother Luke takes care of him in the monastery?
Like a little child
What does Brother Luke provide to Robin for wood whittling?
A piece of pine
What does Brother Luke explain to Robin about the soup?
Nutritional and medicinal value
What does Brother Luke teach Robin to build?
A toy boat
What does Robin carve from wood under Brother Luke's guidance?
A cross
What does Robin wish to learn at the monastery?
To read and write
Where does Brother Luke spend time in the monastery?
Scriptorium
How does Robin respond when he encounters a boy on crutches?
Angrily
What does Robin initially refuse to eat at the monastery?
Soppy food
What does Robin recognize by associating footsteps with different monks?
Sounds
What does Brother Luke suggest Robin make instead of a complex figure?
A simple cross
What does Robin feel excited to create for himself?
Something for himself
Where does Robin ask Brother Luke to teach him to write?
In the scriptorium
Who does Brother Luke spend time caring for in the monastery?
The sick and the poor
What does Robin encounter in the crowded passages of the monastery?
Sick, poor, and orphaned individuals
What is the reason for the unusual silence in the house?
The household has been affected by the plague
Why does Brother Luke plan to take Robin to St. Mark's?
Due to the lack of space at the hospice
What does the friar emphasize the importance of finding while navigating the city streets?
A door in any wall
Why does Robin explain his inability to walk?
He is bedridden
What does the friar provide Robin with while preparing him for the journey?
Warm clothing
What does the interaction between Robin and Brother Luke provide insight into?
The challenges and fears faced during the plague
What does the friar emphasize about the city's conditions while preparing Robin for the journey?
The evening dampness
Why is Robin's family absent?
Due to the Scottish wars and royal obligations
What does the friar reveal about the hospice?
It has no space for Robin
What does the detailed description of the friar's care for Robin emphasize?
The kindness and expertise he brings to the situation
What does the text imply about the relationship between Robin and Brother Luke?
A sense of trust and hope
What does the friar reveal about his plan to assist Robin?
He will support Robin on a jennet and guide him through the city streets
What does Brother Luke offer to do for Robin?
Teach him to write and help him send a letter to his father
What does the minstrel, John-go-in-the-Wynd, agree to do for Robin?
Carry Robin's letter to his father
What does Robin dictate to Brother Luke for the letter to his father?
A greeting and an expression of gratitude for Brother Luke's care
What does the letter from Robin to his father convey?
Gratitude for Brother Luke's care and a reflection on being left to the care of strangers
What does Robin create under the guidance of Brother Luke?
A jointed doll
What does Brother Hubert educate Robin about?
Stars, the Holy Land, and ancient languages
What does the narrative provide a glimpse into?
The daily life and challenges faced by individuals during the medieval period
What does the text highlight about Robin's desire?
His desire to participate in physical activities like swimming despite his illness
What does the story portray about Robin?
His resilience and determination to overcome his physical limitations
What skill does Robin show talent in?
Carving and writing
What does Robin long to do after encountering Geoffrey and other boys?
Join them in swimming
What does the monastery do after the plague?
Resumes its services with the remaining monks taking on additional duties
Who educates Robin about stars, the Holy Land, and ancient languages?
Brother Hubert
What does Robin encounter at the monastery despite his illness?
Challenges and opportunities for learning
What does the narrative provide insight into?
The challenges faced by individuals during the medieval period
What does Brother Luke teach Robin to build?
A jointed doll
What do the travelers aim to reach by nightfall on their journey to London?
The White Swan inn
What causes confusion among the travelers about the correct route to Oxford?
A fork with no signpost
What do the travelers encounter beyond the village on their journey?
Damp and chilly road with hawthorn hedgerows
Who do the travelers encounter under a beech tree during their journey?
A minstrel
What is the purpose of the peasant whom the travelers encounter on their journey?
Gathering wood from the lord's forest
What does Robin interrupt during their journey?
A lively song played by John-go-in-the-Wynd
What do the travelers hope to avoid by reaching the White Swan inn by nightfall?
Danger from cutpurses and roisterers
What do the travelers take refuge from under a beech tree during their journey?
A sudden shower
What do the travelers encounter just beyond the village on their journey?
Damp and chilly road with hawthorn hedgerows
What causes confusion about the correct road to Oxford?
A fork with no signpost
What is the purpose of the peasant encountered by the travelers?
Gathering wood from the lord's forest
What do the travelers hope to avoid by reaching the White Swan inn by nightfall?
Danger from cutpurses and roisterers
Who arranges for Robin's journey to Shropshire?
John-go-in-the-Wynd
What provisions are prepared for Robin's journey?
Pasty with larks and rabbit, dried herring, and cheese
What does Sir John's letter express concern about?
Robin's health and his mother's whereabouts
What does the letter from Sir John shed light on?
The family's well-being and the ongoing battle against the Scots
What is the purpose of the chair-saddle created for Robin?
To provide comfort during the journey
Who takes over as the cook's helper for Robin's journey preparations?
Brother Andrew
What does the journey's careful planning and provisions preparation demonstrate?
The importance of gratitude for God's gifts
What does the letter from Sir John provide for Robin?
A source of excitement
What does the text provide a glimpse into?
Robin's journey to Shropshire
Who is responsible for the ongoing battle against the Scots?
Sir John de Bureford
What do the monks and locals help with for Robin's departure?
Preparing provisions and the chair-saddle
What is the significance of the decorated doorways and friendly neighbors encountered by Robin?
To highlight the community's support for Robin
What does Robin realize about using crutches?
It means he won't be able to fulfill his father's expectation of becoming a knight
What does Robin enjoy teaching other boys?
To make boats
What reassures the friar about Robin's well-being?
Robin's mischief underwater
What secret ability does Robin demonstrate?
Bearing weight on his feet
What does Robin express a desire to take part in making?
His crutches
What helps Robin shape the oak wood for his crutches?
His strength from swimming
What does Robin look forward to trying out after finishing making the crutches?
His crutches
What does the friar remind Robin about crutches?
Even crutches can be a way forward
What becomes a daily part of Robin's life?
Swimming
What does Robin enjoy playing with other boys at the brook?
Games
What does Robin realize about fulfilling his father's expectation?
Using crutches means he won't be able to fulfill it
What does Robin express a desire to shape with wood?
His crutches
What does John realize about their journey?
They must have taken the wrong fork
Why does the friar suggest stopping at the cross?
To say the office before continuing
What does the wind and rain warn the travelers of?
More rain to follow
Why does Robin grow very tired on the journey?
The day's journey has taken a toll on him
What did Robin mimic when John asked if he knew where to find him in case of need?
The way John had told it to him
What did the mists later become on the same day that they began to rise?
A thick fog
What could scarcely be seen by Robin when he crossed the outer bailey due to the thick fog?
D’Ath, who was close at his heels
What did John do before riding off, slinging his pack and the harp across his back?
Laughed
What does John caution Robin about when fitting the keys to the tapered holes?
It will not be easy to get the keys exactly like the holes
Where does John instruct Robin to find him in case of need?
Over the path beyond the river, across yon field, through the forest, fording the stream, and up another field, through another wood, near the church in the village of Tripheath
What obstructs visibility as Robin crosses the outer bailey to the inner castle gate?
Thick fog
What is Robin's reaction to the mist turning into a thick fog?
He could see only a few steps ahead
Who volunteers for a secret mission to seek help and supplies?
Robin
Who rushes to borrow clothes for Robin's disguise?
Denis
Who accompanies Robin on his mission in patched smock and ragged clothes?
D’Ath the dog
Who does Robin seek help and encouragement from before setting off on his mission?
Brother Luke
Who is unaware of the water shortage at the castle?
Lady Constance
Who defended the castle from a raiding party but falls ill?
Sir Peter
Who plans to disguise himself and swim across the river despite objections?
Robin
Who is caring for Sir Peter when he falls ill?
Lady Constance
Who is aware of Robin's plan for the secret mission?
Denis
Who prepares for the journey in patched smock and ragged clothes?
Robin
Who quietly navigates the castle with Robin to begin the mission?
Brother Luke
Who falls ill after defending the castle from a raiding party?
Sir Peter
What action does Sir Peter take when expecting an attack?
Orders women and children to safety in the keep
What activity occupies the women and children inside the keep during the siege?
Weaving and playing
What challenges Robin while working on the Saxon harp?
Turning keys on a lathe
What prevents the Welsh from breaching the castle during the siege?
The prolonged fog
What happens to most of the Welsh stones launched from the catapult?
They miss their target
What does Robin spend most of his time doing in his chamber during the siege?
Working on the Saxon harp
What does the fog create uncertainty about during the siege?
The enemy's strength
What action does the Welsh take to attack the castle?
Surround the castle
What does the narrative mention about the town gate during the siege?
It is attacked by the Welsh
What does Robin's harp-making process involve?
Turning keys on a lathe
What activity do the women and children engage in inside the keep?
Weaving and playing
What is the result of the siege on the castle?
The castle withstands the siege
Where does Robin rest feeling tired and in pain?
In a wood
Who does Robin encounter near John's mother's cottage?
John
Who does John seek help from after Robin informs him of the danger at the castle?
Lord Hugh Fitzhugh's castle and other forces
What is Robin concerned about before departing with John?
His ability to travel
What does John reassure Robin about before departing?
That he will soon be able to carry his own harp
What does Robin forget upon seeing John near the cottage?
His discomfort
What does John inform Robin of after returning later in the day?
The plan to lift the siege on the castle
What does Robin express concern about before departing with John?
His ability to travel
What does John prepare to carry before departing with Robin?
Robin
What does Robin encounter near the forest's edge?
Smoke from cottages
What does Robin inform John of after being taken care of?
The danger at the castle
What does John reassure Robin of before departing?
That he will soon be able to carry his own harp
What disguise do Robin and Brother Luke use to escape from the castle?
Shepherd and friar
How does Robin reach the river at the bottom of the treacherous cliff?
Carefully descending using crutches
What does Robin pretend to be while swimming across the icy river?
A poor shepherd
How does Robin evade capture when encountering a guard after crossing the river?
Pretends to head to a nearby cottage
What happens as Robin moves through a field after the fog begins to lift?
He encounters another guard who questions him
What does Robin pretend to be while encountering the guard in the field?
A simple shepherd
What is the sally port that Robin and Brother Luke reach?
North wall
What does Robin use to help him descend the treacherous cliff?
Crutches
What does Robin do after encountering a guard who offers him warmth by the fire?
Pretends to head to a nearby cottage
What does Robin do as the fog begins to lift during his journey?
Encounters another guard who questions him
What does Robin encounter after successfully evading capture?
Another guard who questions him
What does Robin pretend to be when encountering the guard after successfully evading capture?
A simple shepherd
Where does Robin eventually reach and spot smoke from cottages?
The forest's edge
Who does Robin urge to seek help after informing them of the danger at the castle?
John
When does John return after leaving to gather help from Lord Hugh Fitzhugh's castle and other forces?
Later in the day
What does John reassure Robin about before they depart to seek help?
His ability to travel
What does John prepare to carry as they set off to seek help?
Robin
What does Robin express concern about before they depart to seek help?
His ability to travel
What does Robin encounter near the forest's edge while looking for John's mother's cottage?
Smoke from cottages
What does Robin forget upon seeing John near the cottage?
His discomfort
Who carries Robin inside the cottage after they encounter each other near the cottage?
John
What does Robin inform John of after seeing him near the cottage?
The danger at the castle
What does John reassure Robin about before they set off to seek help?
His ability to travel
What does Robin urge John to do after informing him of the danger at the castle?
Seek help
Who volunteers for a secret mission to seek help and supplies?
Robin
Who rushes to borrow clothes for Robin's disguise?
Denis
Who accompanies Robin on his mission in patched smock and ragged clothes?
D’Ath the dog
Who does Robin seek help and encouragement from before setting off on his mission?
Brother Luke
Who is unaware of the water shortage, which is kept secret from her?
Lady Constance
Who defends the castle from a raiding party but falls ill?
Sir Peter
Who helps Robin prepare for his journey in seeking aid for the besieged castle?
Brother Luke
Who is mindful of the risk of alerting others as they quietly navigate the castle to begin the mission?
Robin and Brother Luke
Who finds comfort in overcoming difficult tasks?
Robin
Who is kept unaware of the water shortage at the besieged castle?
Lady Constance
Who plans to disguise himself and swim across the river despite objections about his age and physical condition?
Robin
Who sets off on the mission in patched smock and ragged clothes, accompanied by D’Ath the dog?
Robin
What activity do the women and children engage in inside the keep during the siege?
Weaving and playing
What does Sir Peter do in anticipation of the Welsh attack?
Orders women and children to safety in the keep
What is Robin occupied with most of the time during the siege?
Working on a harp
What challenge does Robin face in his harp-making activity?
Turning keys on a lathe
What prevents the Welsh from breaching the castle during the siege?
Thick fog
What is the primary reason for the vulnerability of the castle to the Welsh attack?
Fog and lack of men
What is the outcome of the Welsh's use of a catapult during the siege?
Most of their stones miss
Where does Sir Peter order the women and children to go for safety during the siege?
The keep
What is the activity inside the keep while the castle is under siege?
Weaving and playing
What does the Welsh do to try to breach the castle during the siege?
Use a catapult
What does the fog prevent the Welsh from doing during the siege?
Navigating the surrounding area
What does Robin spend his time doing inside the castle during the siege?
Working on a harp
How does Robin escape from the castle?
Disguised as a shepherd and a friar
How does Robin reach the river at the bottom of the treacherous cliff?
Carefully descending using crutches
What does Robin pretend to be while swimming across the river?
A poor shepherd
How does Robin evade capture by a guard after crossing the river?
Pretends to head to a nearby cottage
What happens as Robin moves through a field after the fog begins to lift?
He encounters another guard
How does Robin manage to slip away from the guard who questions him in the field?
Pretends to be a simple shepherd
What disguise does Robin use to escape from the castle?
Shepherd and friar
How does Robin cross the icy river?
Swimming as a poor shepherd
What does Robin encounter after the fog begins to lift?
Another guard
How does Robin manage to evade capture by the guard in the field?
Pretends to be a simple shepherd
What does Robin pretend to be while swimming across the river?
A poor shepherd
What does Robin encounter after successfully evading capture?
Another guard
What did the woman offer to bake for Robin after he rested?
A bannock
What woke Robin from his sleep?
The sound of the door opening
What did John inform Robin of after returning later in the day?
Help was on the way from Lord Hugh Fitzhugh's castle
What did Robin realize upon waking up from his sleep?
He had slept and it was late in the day
What musical instruments do John and Robin use to communicate?
Bagpipe jig and harp
Where do John and Robin encounter the sacristan?
Church
What does John plan to do after the curfew to give the signal?
Wait an hour
What do John and Robin endure while waiting for the signal?
Deafening sound of curfew bells
Who leaves Robin at the top of the church tower to sound the alarm?
John
What do Robin and John use to prepare for the signal at the church tower?
Climb the tower
What do Robin and John see after the great bell rings?
Moving figures gathering
Who helps John and Robin escape from the house and enter the church?
The shoemaker
What does John point out to Robin while they wait for the signal?
Familiar landmarks
What do John and Robin use to communicate with the bagpipe jig and harp playing?
Music
What do John and Robin encounter after enduring the deafening sound of the curfew bells?
The town being quiet
What do Robin see after the great bell rings?
Moving figures gathering
What does Robin spend time doing in the carpentry shop as the days grow cold?
Making a viol and finishing a harp
What is Robin taught to sing by Brother Luke in preparation for Christmas?
A carol
What does Robin hope for his parents' arrival at the castle for?
Christmas
What event is approaching a few days before Robin is with Sir Peter in the armory?
The Feast of Thomas the Apostle
What does Robin learn to play with the help of Brother Luke?
The harp
What does Robin carve from wood under Brother Luke's guidance?
A viol
What is Robin's hope regarding his parents' visit to the castle?
That they will arrive for Christmas
What does Robin spend time making in the carpentry shop as the days grow cold?
A viol and finishing a harp
What does Robin hope for his parents' arrival at the castle for?
Christmas
What event is approaching a few days before Robin is with Sir Peter in the armory?
The Feast of Thomas the Apostle
What is Robin taught to sing by Brother Luke in preparation for Christmas?
A carol
What does Robin learn to play with the help of Brother Luke?
The harp
What does John carry with him on the journey?
A little harp and crutches
What signal do Robin and John have with the shoemaker?
To enter the town through his house on the wall
Why do Robin and John avoid being seen by Welsh soldiers?
To reach the town before it's too late
What role do alliances and feuds play in the story?
Significant role in the characters' actions
What is the overall tone of the narrative?
Filled with a sense of urgency and tension
What is the ultimate goal of Robin and John's mission?
To give the signal for attack from the church tower
What does John explain about the soldiers' guarding of the town?
They may not be guarding their side due to a family feud
What historical context is the story set in?
Where alliances and feuds play a significant role
What emotions are prevalent as Robin and John embark on their mission?
Adventure and determination
What is the route Robin and John plan to take to enter the town?
Through the forest to the southeast, past the priory and ford the river
What does the urgency of their mission emphasize?
The need for stealth and quick action
What does John use to signal their need to the shoemaker?
A mournful tune
What does the Hall look like during the Christmas Eve celebration?
Decorated with holly and spruce, with the yule log burning on the hearth
Who is overcome with emotion upon reuniting with her son?
Lady Constance
Who prepares Robin for an audience with the King and Queen?
Brother Luke
What does the joyous Christmas Eve celebration in the Hall include?
Singing ballads, storytelling, and a warm atmosphere
Who leads a company of knights and men at arms to the castle?
The King and Robin's father, Sir John
Who sits enthroned surrounded by their hosts during the Christmas Eve celebration?
The King and Queen
Who is Robin overjoyed to see alive and well after the long absence caused by the war?
His father, Sir John
Who shares Robin's excitement about the good news of the King and Sir John's arrival?
Sir Peter
Who embraces Robin warmly, showing no concern about Robin's previous leg injury?
Sir John, Robin's father
Who is greeted with great enthusiasm upon their arrival at the castle?
The King and Queen, accompanied by Sir John and Lady Maud
Who leads a company of knights and men at arms to the castle?
The King and Robin's father, Sir John
Who is anxiously watching for signs of horsemen approaching the castle?
Robin
Study Notes
A Young Boy's Encounter with a Wandering Friar
- The protagonist, Robin, is bedridden and wishes to look out of the window to see the street activity.
- He is hungry but unable to move, and realizes that the house is unusually silent.
- A wandering friar, Brother Luke, arrives with food and explains that the household has been affected by the plague.
- Brother Luke feeds and cares for Robin, and reveals his plan to take him to St. Mark's due to the lack of space at the hospice.
- Robin explains his inability to walk and his family's absence due to the Scottish wars and royal obligations.
- The friar assures Robin that he will support him on a jennet and guide him to St. Mark's through the city streets.
- Brother Luke emphasizes the importance of finding a door in any wall to reach their destination.
- While preparing Robin for the journey, the friar provides him with warm clothing and emphasizes the evening dampness.
- The friar's actions and words suggest that he is compassionate and knowledgeable about the city's conditions and how to navigate it.
- The text implies a sense of trust and hope as Robin prepares to leave with Brother Luke.
- The interaction between Robin and Brother Luke provides insight into the challenges and fears faced by individuals during the plague, as well as the willingness of strangers to help.
- The detailed description of the friar's care for Robin emphasizes the kindness and expertise he brings to the situation.
Robin's Rehabilitation and New Pursuits
- Robin is taken by the friar to the brook for a bath and to learn how to swim to strengthen his arms and legs.
- The friar assures Robin that swimming will help him get stronger and eventually be able to use crutches.
- Robin realizes that using crutches means he won't be able to fulfill his father's expectation of becoming a knight, causing him distress.
- The friar encourages Robin, reminding him that even crutches can be a way forward.
- Swimming becomes a daily part of Robin's life, in addition to other activities like carpentry and music.
- Robin enjoys teaching other boys to make boats and playing games with them at the brook.
- His swimming skills improve, and he starts to dive and play tricks on the friar in the water.
- Robin's mischief underwater reassures the friar that he is well.
- Secretly, Robin is able to bear weight on his feet, a sign of his improving health.
- He expresses a desire to take part in making his crutches, and with support, he is able to shape the wood himself.
- Robin's strength from swimming helps him shape the oak wood for his crutches over several weeks.
- His excitement grows as he finishes making the crutches and looks forward to trying them out.
Escape from the Castle
- Robin and Brother Luke sneak out of the castle in the fog, disguised as a shepherd and a friar.
- They reach the sally port in the north wall without encountering anyone else.
- Robin carefully descends a treacherous cliff using crutches and makes it to the river at the bottom.
- Robin swims across the icy river, pretending to be a poor shepherd, and struggles with the cold and current.
- After reaching the other side of the river, Robin encounters a guard who offers him warmth by the fire, but Robin pretends to head to a nearby cottage instead.
- Robin continues his journey, and the fog begins to lift as he moves through a field.
- Robin encounters another guard who questions him, but Robin pretends to be a simple shepherd and manages to slip away.
- Robin successfully evades capture and continues on his path to freedom.
A Joyous Reunion
- Robin is anxiously watching for signs of horsemen approaching the castle, hoping for news about the end of the Scottish wars and the fate of his father.
- Eventually, a company of knights and men at arms, led by the King and Robin's father, Sir John, arrives at the castle.
- Robin is overjoyed to see his father alive and well after the long absence caused by the war.
- Sir Peter, aware of the good news, shares Robin's excitement and they both prepare to welcome the arriving company.
- The King and Queen, accompanied by Sir John and Lady Maud, are greeted with great enthusiasm upon their arrival at the castle.
- Robin's mother, Lady Constance, is overcome with emotion upon reuniting with her son, holding him close and whispering his name.
- Sir John, Robin's father, notes how much Robin has grown and embraces his son warmly, showing no concern about Robin's previous leg injury.
- The weary travelers retire briefly to rest before coming together for a joyous Christmas Eve celebration in the Hall.
- The Hall is decorated with holly and spruce, and the yule log burns on the hearth as the King and Queen sit enthroned, surrounded by their hosts.
- The festivities include singing ballads, storytelling, and a warm atmosphere, bringing joy and merriment to the castle.
- Sir Peter and Lady Constance, along with Sir John and Lady Maud, sit with the King and Queen, creating a scene of unity and celebration after the long and challenging war.
- Brother Luke prepares Robin for an audience with the King and Queen, as the castle comes alive with the spirit of Christmas and the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Follow the heartwarming story of Robin, a young boy bedridden during the plague, as he embarks on a journey of recovery, friendship, and eventual reunion with his family. Explore themes of compassion, perseverance, and hope in the face of adversity.
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