Chapter: 09. Robin Hood And Maid Marian
Practice Paper Answer Key
A. Fill in the blanks correctly.
Robin and Marian often met in the Sherwood Forest that was between their castles. Marian could use a bow nearly as well as Robin and had also learned to use a quarterstaff. The outlaws of Sherwood Forest took money from the rich travelers and gave it to the poor. Robin Hood asked Friar Tuck to marry him and Maid Marian. One of Robin Hood’s merry men mentioned by name in the story is Will Scarlet. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“For a few years, she heard nothing about Robin. Then, one day, she heard two men talking about the outlaws of Sherwood Forest.” a. Who is ‘she’ in this line, and what was her relationship to Robin? ‘She’ is Maid Marian. She was Robin’s childhood friend. b. What information did she learn about the outlaws from the two men? She learned that they were over a hundred strong, stopped rich travelers, stole their money for the poor, and never took from women, poor people, or good yeomen. Their leader was Robin Hood. c. How did hearing about these outlaws make her feel or what did it make her realize? Hearing about them made her think that their leader, Robin Hood, sounded like her lost friend Robin. It made her decide to go find him. “It was a good fight. The man was very strong, and his quarterstaff flew through the air very fast. It was clear that he didn’t want to hurt the ‘boy’.” a. Who was ‘the man’ in this fight, and who was the ‘boy’? ‘The man’ was Robin Hood, and the ‘boy’ was Maid Marian in disguise. b. Why did the man not want to hurt the ‘boy’? He likely didn’t want to hurt the ‘boy’ because he respected the ‘boy’s’ bravery and skill, and he possibly sensed something special about him, or simply chose not to use excessive force. c. What does the man say to the ‘boy’ that shows his respect after the fight? He says, “I like you. You’re very young, but you’re going to be a fine fighter.” He even invited the ‘boy’ to join his merry men. “They soon came back with him. ‘These men say you want me,’ he said to Robin Hood. ‘They stopped my prayers, and I hope there was a good reason for that.’” a. Who is ‘him’ that the men came back with? b. What was ‘him’ doing before being found by the men, and what did he take with him? He was in the forest to pray, and he took his bow and arrows with him. c. What “good reason” did Robin Hood have for interrupting him? Robin Hood had a good reason because he wanted Friar Tuck to marry him and Maid Marian right away. C. Think and answer.
How did Maid Marian’s decision to wear a disguise benefit her during her journey and encounter with Robin Hood? Maid Marian’s disguise as a boy was very beneficial. Firstly, it allowed her to travel safely through Sherwood Forest without being recognized as a young noblewoman, which would have put her in danger. Secondly, during her encounter and fight with Robin, her disguise made him treat her as an equal fighter, allowing her skills to shine and impressing him, rather than him holding back or dismissing her due to her gender. This led directly to their reunion. The story mentions Robin Hood’s father was killed, leading to Robin becoming an outlaw. How does this event show that even bad things can sometimes lead to someone doing good deeds? The killing of Robin Hood’s father and the loss of his home were terrible, unjust events. However, this tragedy forced Robin into Sherwood Forest, where he encountered the suffering of the poor under the Sheriff’s rule. Instead of becoming bitter or solely seeking revenge, Robin chose to channel his anger into a greater good. He used his skills to protect and provide for the helpless, transforming a personal tragedy into a mission of social justice. This shows how hardship can sometimes be a catalyst for courageous and selfless actions that benefit others. If you were a parent in a village near Sherwood Forest, how would you explain Robin Hood’s actions to your children? Would you praise him, condemn him, or explain it as a complex situation? (Sample Answer): As a parent, I would explain it as a complex situation, focusing on the good intentions behind his actions. I would tell my children that while stealing is usually wrong, Robin Hood lived in a time when the powerful were very unfair to the poor, and the law offered no help. Robin stood up for people who couldn’t stand up for themselves. I would praise his bravery and kindness, but also explain that in our time, we try to use peaceful and legal ways to change unjust situations, emphasizing that breaking laws is usually not the solution, but his story teaches us about fighting for fairness. The story emphasizes friendship and reunion. Discuss how the long-lost friendship between Robin and Marian is central to the story’s happy ending. The long-lost friendship between Robin and Marian is central to the story’s happy ending because it provides the motivation for Marian’s courageous journey and the emotional core of the tale. Their shared history and deep bond from childhood ensure their reunion is more than just a chance meeting; it’s a reconnection of souls. This strong foundation allows them to immediately rekindle their affection, decide to marry, and continue their work of helping the poor together, ensuring a happy and meaningful life for both. Without their past friendship, the story’s conclusion would lack its warmth and lasting significance. 
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