In his novel, The Archer’s Tale, Bernard Cornwell employs the elements setting, theme, character development, and plot. In this Late Middle Age book, Cornell uses these elements to paint an elaborate picture for the reader. This portrait created by the timeframe it takes in place in and plot is necessary for the author to convey his story in a way that is almost a reality.
Bernard Cornwell’s intricate display of plot is where the book really displays its value. Written in the Late Middle Ages of dukes, squires, counties, and kings, an army of English soldiers ravages the fields of a small section in France. La Roche-Derrien, which is best translates into “the rock”, is a valuable fortress located in an isolated part of northwestern Brittany, …show more content…
After the raid many men have taken and stolen prizes from civilians and soldiers. Among these “prizes” are weapons, money, barrels or whiskey, livestock, food, jewelry, armor, horses, and as previously mentioned, women. Sir Simon Jekyll, one of the commanding officers, uncovers a prize envied by all, a beautiful French countess by the name of Jeannette. Jeannette is a hardened widow who lost her husband in battle against the English. Since her lost she had vowed to hate all English and take as many souls as possible in his revenge. Going under the war alias “The BlackBird”, she is a crossbow assassin with a horrifyingly good accuracy for anything on the far end of her sight. Once Jeannette had been captured by Sir Simon, she was subject to rape, harassment, robbery and many beatings. Gradually he became the most hated of all English in her unforgiving mind. Although she was allowed by the Earl to keep her house soldiers often used it selfishly. Respect, being a rare thing among soldier to civilians, was prevalent in Thomas. Many visits and talks later Thomas and Jeannette devise a plan to rid her of her antagonist. Throughout the book Jeannette changes from vengeful and merciless to a woman with trust in others and the ability to leave behind
Bernard Cornwell’s intricate display of plot is where the book really displays its value. Written in the Late Middle Ages of dukes, squires, counties, and kings, an army of English soldiers ravages the fields of a small section in France. La Roche-Derrien, which is best translates into “the rock”, is a valuable fortress located in an isolated part of northwestern Brittany, …show more content…
After the raid many men have taken and stolen prizes from civilians and soldiers. Among these “prizes” are weapons, money, barrels or whiskey, livestock, food, jewelry, armor, horses, and as previously mentioned, women. Sir Simon Jekyll, one of the commanding officers, uncovers a prize envied by all, a beautiful French countess by the name of Jeannette. Jeannette is a hardened widow who lost her husband in battle against the English. Since her lost she had vowed to hate all English and take as many souls as possible in his revenge. Going under the war alias “The BlackBird”, she is a crossbow assassin with a horrifyingly good accuracy for anything on the far end of her sight. Once Jeannette had been captured by Sir Simon, she was subject to rape, harassment, robbery and many beatings. Gradually he became the most hated of all English in her unforgiving mind. Although she was allowed by the Earl to keep her house soldiers often used it selfishly. Respect, being a rare thing among soldier to civilians, was prevalent in Thomas. Many visits and talks later Thomas and Jeannette devise a plan to rid her of her antagonist. Throughout the book Jeannette changes from vengeful and merciless to a woman with trust in others and the ability to leave behind