(Student’s Full Name)
The problem that Robin Hood faces is his need to conclude his crusade against the High Sheriff of Nottingham by getting rid of Prince John, who his is most powerful ally. This is the problem because Robin Hood needs to kill the Sheriff before he gets the resources to kill him. In addition, Robin realizes that the Sheriff is “growing stronger” and “better organized” and will use this strength and organization to undermine him and his band of men (Lampel, 1985, p. 1). Furthermore, the Sheriff has the “money and the men” and were starting to “harass” the Merry Men so as to uncover their weaknesses (Lampel, 1985, p. 1). Lastly, Sheriff was starting to use his powerful “political connections,” such as Prince John, to “obtain reinforcement” (Lampel, 1985, p. 1).
The alternative solutions that are recognized in the case study are to collaborate with the barons to get rid of Prince John, who is ruling as regent after the imprisonment of King Richard in Austria. In addition, Robin was considering that he needed to get rid of the “outright confiscation of goods” to taxing the townspeople and farmers with a “fixed transit tax” so that he can increase his dwindling “financial reserves” and use these finances to get rid of his enemies (Lampel, 1985, p. 1).
The solution that I have come up with, which Robin could use, is to mobilize a smaller band of Merry Men to kill Prince John. The Merry Men who are to be chosen based on their discipline, skill and competence in using the archery, and those who Robin and his lieutenants know very well and can attest to be valiant warriors. In this way, the band will be able to use its “financial reserves” more efficiently (Lampel, 1985, p. 1). These “financial reserves” can then be used in strategizing an attack against Prince John (Lampel, 1985, p. 1).
The reactions that I expect from the implementation of this strategy is that Prince John’s spies, who are located “everywhere”, could find out about the plan and get Robin killed (Lampel, 1985, p. 1). If Robin decides to make the band of Merry Men smaller then that could lead to some men feeling slighted by their former leader and this could motivate them to lead a revolt against him. If this happens then Robin would have to divert his attention from launching an attack against Prince John.
Reference
Lampel, J. (1985). Case 1: Robin Hood [PDF]. London: City University.
