Robin Hood

1. Robert Fitzooth explains that he wants to be elected to lead his men, not only because he is the most able amongst them, nor simply because of his birth, but because "one must rule and I come of a race of rulers". Explain this idea. It is true that Robert is the most capable amongst his men to be a ruler because he is a better archman, because his father and himself were Earls which, by birth, makes him to natural choice of ruler. But there is more to it. Every community needs a ruler, a guide who makes decisions, looks after the community and makes the rules. Otherwise, it would be utter chaos (Cf Lord of the Flies, where even kids appoint themselves a leader). Robert Fitzooth is more likely to assume this position because he was born amongst rulers. He knows how to treat his subjects, how to govern them. He has the experience and the charism necessary to do so. He will not lead his men to faillure. 2. He believes in the Divine Right of Kings, yet he heads a rebellion against the king's brother because he disagrees with the use of his power. Discuss the paradox inherent in this stance. This situation is paradoxical because, even though Prince John isn't the king chosen by Divine Right, as long as his brother, gone in crusades, is still alive, he might become the rightful king when his brother dies and he will not rule differently. So, would what Robert now considers a just rebellion become treason if John was made king, even to his own eyes ? Maybe Robert us hiding behind the fact that Richard is away to justify his revolutionnary beliefs. He may not have stood down and obeyed Richard if those had been his principles. Or, maybe because he is a true faithful subject to the crown, he will not accept any decisions made by Prince John, especially if they go against his brother's way of ruling. Would he surrender, even if he has to