The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Howard Pyle

92 pages 3-hour read

Howard Pyle

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1883

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Exam Questions

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.


Multiple Choice


1. What is the historical context of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood?

A) It happens during Elizabethan and Victorian times.

B) It takes place during King Henry I’s reign.

C) It is set in the time of King Henry II, King Richard, and King John.

D) It occurs during King Arthur’s rule.


2. What is the overall mood of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood?

A) Jolly

B) Serious

C) Flippant

D) Stoic


3. Pyle describes medieval England as a land of fancy, not fantasy. What does the author mean by his statement?

A) Medieval England is a place in which one can dream about fantastic things happening.

B) The location of the novel has nothing to do with fantasy because it is based on truth.

C) The novel’s setting is very beautiful and inspires great works of fantasy.

D) Pyle believes fantasy novels should not take place in medieval England.


4. What is the best description of the Sheriff?

A) He is cruel.

B) He isn’t law-abiding.

C) He is self-serving.

D) He is friendless.


5. Which of the following is an example of Pyle’s use of irony?

A) The Sheriff would like to arrest Robin but can never catch him.

B) Robin is murdered by his own relative.

C) The King works against Robin even though he is trying to help him.

D) Robin Hood is an outlaw but abides by a strict moral code.


6. What role does archery play in Pyle’s novel?

A) It is the primary reason for Robin’s fame and fortune.

B) Archery is a form of escapism for Robin.

C) It serves as a tool for Robin’s justice.

D) Archery is frequently used to outwit Robin’s opponents.


7. What does Robin’s reluctance to shed blood best reveal about his character?

A) that he advocates for women and children and is unwilling to harm them

B) that he takes care of his own and is willing to rescue them despite the risk

C) that he cares about the people around him, even those he does not agree with

D) that he is sentimental and wants to reclaim his innocence.


8. How can the relationship between the Merry Men best be described?

A) They often squabble but risk their lives for one another.

B) They have a deep bond and comradery.

C) The group is not well bonded because of the mix Robin Hood brings to the group.

D) The group is self-serving, and they distrust one another.


9. What is the best description of Little John’s character?

A) He is somber and righteous.

B) He cares for the plight of the wealthy.

C) He is lazy and pleasure-loving.

D) He is like Robin Hood in his moral standards.


10. What is an emotion the Sheriff often feels after encountering Robin Hood and his Merry Men?

A) Humbled

B) Shamed

C) Sheepish

D) Angry


11. What is the best description of Robin’s assessment of individuals as he meets them on his journeys?

A) He often makes unwise snap judgments based on appearance.

B) Robin is calculated in his assessment of people and is often correct.

C) He misjudges people based on their character.

D) Robin makes judgments based on occupation.


12. From The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, what can the reader infer Robin is opposed to?

A) Arranged marriages

B) Theft

C) Corruption of power

D) Prejudice


13. What is the best way to describe the role of disguises in The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood?

A) Disguises allow Robin Hood and his men to function anonymously in society.

B) Disguises help Robin and his men to carry out mischief and their exploits.

C) Disguises prevent Robin and his men from being hunted by the Sheriff.

D) Disguises keep Robin and his men from being hailed as heroes by the townsfolk.


14. Which of the following events represents Robin Hood’s growing fame as a national hero?

A) The Sheriff’s pursuit of Robin Hood throughout the novel

B) The growing support he receives from the townsfolk and community

C) Sir Richard Lea asking for his help to pay for his lands

D) The Queen’s request for his attendance in an archery match


15. Based on Pyle’s depiction of Bishop Hereford and Prior Emmet, which claim most accurately captures Pyle’s perspective on some of the clergy in Medieval times?

A) The clergy are gracious to the poor.

B) The clergy inspire Pyle’s deep religiosity.

C) The clergy do as they are told.

D) The clergy are pious and worldly.


Long Answer


Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.


1. Many describe Robin Hood as someone who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Based on Pyle’s representation of Robin Hood, is this always true?

2. Why is the setting of Sherwood Forest important to The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood? How does the setting contrast with that of the town and city?


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