Genre
Children's fiction, historical fiction
Setting and Context
England in the Middle Ages
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrator; Robin's point of view
Tone and Mood
Mostly cheerful, and foreboding at some dramatic points of the story
Protagonist and Antagonist
Robin is the protagonist; the attacking Welsh soldiers are the antagonists
Major Conflict
Robin's disabled legs and how he deals with this ailment; the battle against the invading Welsh army on Sir Peter's castle
Climax
Robin is rewarded with a crown of jewels by the King on the Feast of Christmas
Foreshadowing
Robin sees the ruffians eyeing Brother Luke's money pouch at the inn before they even start plotting to rob them.
Understatement
Robin says the climb up and down the riverbanks will be difficult but this understates the task, which involves pulling himself up with his crutches on his back as well as swimming through cold water.
Allusions
When Robin starts his studies at the monastery, there are allusions to ancient history, such as the stories of the crusaders and Greece and Rome.
Imagery
See separate Imagery section of this ClassicNote.
Paradox
N/A.
Parallelism
The King observes parallelism between Robin's bravery and the gallantry of his father, his most trusted Knight.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The castle is referred to as "under siege." Here, "the castle" represents Sir Peter and all of the people unable to leave for fear of attack. This is an example of metonymy.
Personification
The fire that John makes is described as "cheerful."
