Winning His Spurs 12

Study Guide Questions for Ch. 23-24

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Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Appearance vs. Reality, Vengeance, Despotism, Irony, Courage vs. Cowardice, Battle of Wits, Faith

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. Briefly describe the exchange between Cuthbert and Sir Hubert that took place outside of Evesham castle.

2. How did Cuthbert effect his escape from the castle after his mother was safely outside?

3. In what manner did the men who came to take Lady Margaret disguise themselves?

4. What plan had Sir Rudolph concocted in order to make his taking of Margaret seem more legitimate?

5. What plan did Cuthbert come up with in order to take possession of Evesham castle and rescue Lady Margaret?

6. What were Sir Rudolph and his men doing which allowed Cuthbert to put his plan into effect?

7. By what means did Sir Rudolph pursue his goal of retaking the castle?

8. What was the situation like for Cuthbert and his men inside the castle once they had taken it?

9. How did Sir Cuthbert and his men elude Sir Rudolph once he had forced his way back into the castle?

10. Where did many of Cuthbert’s archers go after escaping the castle?

11. To whom did Cuthbert entrust Lady Margaret’s care after escaping the castle?

12. What course of action did Cuthbert decide to take concerning King Richard?

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. Why might Cuthbert have been so quick to forgive Sir Hubert for his part in the situation with his mother?

2. Sir Rudolph stated, “I care nothing for rights of juries….I have the royal order for execution, and that order I shall put into effect, although all the knights and barons in England objected.” What are at least two things we might infer about his character from this statement?

3. What might be considered ironic about the following line from the story: “Ye be no outlaws,” the lady superior said, “for the outlaws are men who fear God and respect the church.”

4. Why do you think Margaret had such firm confidence in the idea that Cuthbert would save her?

5. The story tells us Margaret learned to read from the nuns at the convent. Why might convents and monasteries have been filled with people who could read (and teach others to read) when that skill was fairly rare in England at the time?

6. Why did Cuthbert and his men stay in the castle rather than leave immediately if they knew that they would not be able to hold it forever?

7. What are at least two ways we see deception being used to accomplish some end (purpose) in the present reading?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. Cuthbert’s mother “mentally vowed to devote the rest of her life to vengeance for her son” assuming that Sir Rudolph was about to murder him. How would you define the concept of “vengeance?” Is it the same or different from the terms “revenge” and “avenge?” Do you think it is appropriate to seek vengeance in some circumstances? If so, by what means is it appropriate to seek vengeance? If not, why not?

2. Sir Rudolph said he cared nothing for “rights or juries.” The term “due process” refers to the legal procedures that must be followed by civil authorities in order to justify depriving a person of their life, liberty, or property. Why is it so important for authorities to follow established rules and procedures when prosecuting criminal cases? What kinds of criteria do you think they should follow in order to establish a person’s guilt and the punishment they should receive for their wrongdoing? Ultimately, where do human rights come from? Explain your answers carefully.

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read Romans 12:14-21. How should this passage affect our thinking about getting even with our enemies who mistreat us?

2. Read Romans 13:1-7 and answer the following question: Who among men ought to punish wrongdoing?