The Black Arrow facts for kids
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| Author | Robert Louis Stevenson |
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| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical Adventure Romance |
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Publication date
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1888 |
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The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses is an exciting adventure novel written by the famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. It was first published in 1888. This thrilling story takes readers back in time to medieval England. It has been so popular that it has been made into movies, comic books, and other forms of entertainment.
Contents
What is The Black Arrow About?
This book is set during a real historical conflict called the Wars of the Roses. This was a series of battles fought in England between two powerful families, the House of Lancaster and the House of York. They were fighting to decide who would be the king.
The story follows a young hero named Richard "Dick" Shelton. Dick is a brave and honest young man. He finds himself caught up in dangerous events and mysteries. He learns that his guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley, might not be as good as he seems. Sir Daniel is involved in many sneaky plots.
Dick's Big Adventure
Dick's journey begins when he sees a mysterious "black arrow" strike a message into a wall. This arrow is a warning from a secret group of outlaws. They call themselves the "Black Arrow" gang. They are trying to get revenge on people who have done wrong.
As Dick tries to uncover the truth, he meets a brave young woman named Joanna Sedley. She is disguised as a boy named John Matcham. Together, Dick and Joanna face many challenges. They escape from castles, hide in forests, and meet all sorts of interesting characters.
The Fight for Justice
Dick's main goal is to find out who killed his father. He also wants to protect Joanna. He learns about loyalty, betrayal, and what it means to be a true knight. The story is full of sword fights, chases, and surprising twists. It shows how people lived during this exciting but dangerous time in history.
Meet the Main Characters
Richard "Dick" Shelton
Dick is the main character of the story. He starts as a young man who trusts his guardian. But he quickly learns to think for himself. He becomes a brave and determined hero. He is skilled with a sword and always tries to do what is right.
Joanna Sedley
Joanna is a clever and courageous young woman. She often disguises herself to stay safe. She is strong-willed and helps Dick many times. She is not afraid to stand up for herself.
Sir Daniel Brackley
Sir Daniel is Dick's guardian. He is a powerful and tricky knight. He often changes sides in the War of the Roses to benefit himself. He is a complex character who causes many problems for Dick.
The Black Arrow Gang
This is a group of outlaws led by a mysterious figure named Ellis Duckworth. They use black arrows to send messages and warnings. They believe in justice and help those who have been wronged.
The War of the Roses Explained
The War of the Roses was a series of civil wars in England. It lasted from 1455 to 1487. It was fought between two branches of the royal House of Plantagenet:
- The House of Lancaster, whose symbol was a red rose.
- The House of York, whose symbol was a white rose.
These families were fighting over who should be the rightful king of England. The war caused a lot of chaos and changed England's history forever. The Black Arrow takes place during a part of this long conflict. It shows how ordinary people and knights were affected by the fighting.
About the Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer. He is one of the most famous writers of adventure stories. He is known for his exciting plots and memorable characters.
Some of his other very famous books include:
- Treasure Island: A classic pirate adventure story.
- Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A thrilling tale about good and evil.
Stevenson was a very imaginative writer. He loved to create stories that would take readers on amazing journeys. The Black Arrow is a great example of his talent for historical adventure.
From Book to Screen
The Black Arrow has been adapted into different forms over the years. This shows how popular and timeless the story is.
- Movies: There have been several film versions of the book. These movies bring the medieval setting and exciting battles to life.
- Television Series: The story has also been made into TV shows. This allows for more details from the book to be shown.
- Comic Books: The adventure has been retold in comic book form. This lets readers enjoy the story with exciting illustrations.
These adaptations help new generations discover Dick Shelton's thrilling journey.
Images for kids
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A crucial moment in the novel when Sir Oliver, Sir Daniel, and Dick Shelton are surprised by a black arrow in the Moat House refectory hall
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Cover of the first Scribner Brothers' American edition of 1888
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Title page of the first edition of 1888, US edition a few weeks before the UK edition
See also
