Adventures in Literature, Wednesday, Period Three [Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

"Today we're going to look at the classic tale of Robin Hood," Drake began after the students had arrived. "No one is sure if he was based on an actual historical figure or not, but one of the earliest reference to Robin Hood occurs in William Langland's poem Piers Plowman in the 14th century: 'I kan not parfitly my Paternoster as the preest it singeth,/ But I kan rymes of Robyn Hood.'" Drake blinked and looked at the text. "I never realized how much Old English sounds like LOLCat," he mused.

He snapped his fingers and an old fashioned projector and screen appeared. Several clips of Robin Hood from movies and tv shows played as he continued to lecture. "Robin Hood is an archetypal figure in English folklore, originating from medieval times but remaining significant in popular culture, where he is painted as a man known for robbing the rich to give to the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny," he said. "He believed in himself and also loved the thrill of the fight. And despite the threat of imminent death, he found love with his dear Maid Marian."

He snapped his fingers again, changing himself into Robin Hood. The students all became garbed in the outfits of Robin's band of Merry Men . . . well, and Women, except Francine, who suddenly had on a long medieval dress and long red hair due to the luck of the RNG. "So what aspect of the legend do you find most interesting?" Drake asked. "And what do you think Robin Hood would do in today's world? When we're done with the discussion, if you want to play in Robin Hood's world, I've got a few things set up for you." Danger Shop? Who needed it?


[Syllabus | Class Roster]

Comments

Sign In [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.

Re: Sign In [AiL: Class Two]

[onlysmokesnics.livejournal.com]

Hayley Fitzpatrick

Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

What aspect of the legend do you find most interesting? What do you think Robin Hood would do in today's world?

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[awakestheghosts]

"I always l-liked t-the idea of s-someone s-standing up for those who couldn't fight for themselves."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[justwantsquiet.livejournal.com]

"I like the whole robbin' from the rich and givin' to the poor thing," Sookie ventured, "mostly 'cause so many of those with wealth don't really seem to appreciate it, y'know? And it'd be interesting to see how that played out nowadays, if someone just stole like, Paris Hilton's closet and sold it. Bet we could solve world hunger that way."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[living_endless]

"It's a nice story," Didi offered. "In a time when people didn't have a lot of power, they started talking about this man who took power for himself, instead of being sad he wasn't born into it. It gives people hope. And parts of it are funny."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[joan-notjane.livejournal.com]

Joan listened and considered Robin Hood in the context of the modern world.

"I'm pretty sure that if Robin Hood was around today, he'd be called a socialist."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

...Fiona had the sinking suspicion they were probably related. There had been a Robin at the induction ceremony after all.

"There's nothing I find particularly interesting. The idea of rogue justice in a system made to uphold those in power and keep down those without it is perfectly reasonable for people to enjoy.

"Today, I think he'd probably work in the government as some sort of advocate for public works or worker's rights."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[stylin-wizard.livejournal.com]

"I like that Robin stands up for what he believes in and doesn't back down from those in power," Alex offered.

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[awesomebigsis.livejournal.com]

"I enjoy the story of a guy stealing from the powerful and giving to those less fortunate," Ellie said. "I would have no problem with something like him stealing from young Hollywood socialites with no talent."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[formermayqueen.livejournal.com]

"I think Robin Hood would fit right in, but at least he's giving the money to people who need it instead of lining his pockets with our hard earned money."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[likethegun]

"I like the parts with Robin and his merry men the most," Sam said. "It wasn't just him fighting injustice - he got other people involved too, people who might not have thought that they could stand up for anything. I think if he was around now, he'd be a really loud political activist."

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[glacial_queen]

Karla frowned. "I find it really interesting that they made him an aristo, too. It's great that he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, but wouldn't it make more sense for him to be poor, too? Then it would be about how the poor could rise up and fight off the aristos, rather than an aristo using the poor for his own goals. Worthy goals, but still."

Way to be a killjoy, Karla.

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[thatsamilkshake]

Francine looked down at her dress -- thought the hair kind of gave her pause, the dress was... "I like the clothes!"

She might be simple, but she wasn't usually shallow. Just... pretty!

Re: Class Discussion [AiL: Class Two]

[yakkoyaks.livejournal.com]

"I like the basic idea. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor. But you know what would have been better?" Yakko asked. "If the coins were chocolate coins. That way, the poor get candy, too!"

Class Activities [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

Entirely optional!

Practice your Archery Skills [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

Rows of targets are setup for your arrow-firing delight. Mod your own shots, just don't shoot your classmates. Or teacher!

Spar on a Log [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

Pair up and play, if you wish. Robin Hood vs. Little John, Round One, FIGHT.

Any Other Activity [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

Whatever Robin Hood-related hijinks you can think of that won't cause excessive damage to the school, yourself, or others.

Talk to Drake [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

I'll organize revolt, exact a death for a death, and I'll never rest until every Saxon in this shire can stand up free men and strike a blow for Richard and England!

Re: Talk to Drake [AiL: Class Two]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

As class was letting out, Dinah came by with Tony on his ribbon leash. He immediately started sniffing around the doorway over to Drake.

"Hi, are you Professor Dèmon?" she asked, keeping a wary eye on Tony. "Um, sorry Tony wasn't in class today. He's a tiger." And awaited the inevitable joke.

Talk to the TAs [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

When they ping in.

Re: Talk to the TAs [AiL: Class Two]

[joan-notjane.livejournal.com]

Joan was around and happy to chat with her fellow classmates.

Re: Talk to the TAs [AiL: Class Two]

[likethegun]

Sam was around if anyone needed help, as long as they didn't need help with their clothes. He didn't think he could do anything about that.

OOC [AiL: Class Two]

[carpe_demon]

We're men!
We're men in tights! (Tight tights!)
Always on guard defending the people's rights!
When you're in a fix just call for the men in tights!
We're butch!

Posting this then going to bed, so pings will be returned in the morning, assuming no FLORAL EMERGENCIES. Modded clothing goes away when you leave the classroom (and your usual clothes return, no nekkidness!) unless you really want to run around school like a Merry (Wo)Man for awhile.

Re: OOC [AiL: Class Two]

[sonofmogh.livejournal.com]

Sir! I protest! I am not a merry man!