1. Watch Laurence Olivier's film adaptation of Richard III (1955) or read Shakespeare's Henry VI, "Part III" and Richard III. Compare the portrayal of Richard of Gloucester with Stevenson's depiction.

2. Contrast John Amend-All and his group of forest outlaws with Robin Hood and his band.

3. Was Richard of Gloucester, who later became Richard III, truly the villain that Shakespeare and, to a lesser degree, Stevenson depict? For an alternative perspective, read and report on Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time (1951), the section of Thomas B. Costain's The Last Plantagenets (1962) that covers Richard III, or Paul Kendall's biography, Richard III (1955).

4. What moral lessons does Dick learn from his experiences in warfare and combat? How has his recklessness adversely affected the sailor whose boat he stole? Is there a way for Dick to make amends?

5. The characters in The Black Arrow are not simply good or evil. Sir Oliver and Bennet Hatch serve Sir Daniel Brackley, who has betrayed Dick. Do they retain any loyalty to Dick or show hesitation in seeing him killed? Dick's initial foe, Lord Foxham, becomes his ally, while his protector, Richard of Gloucester, exhibits sinister traits. Dick himself has his own shortcomings. Discuss the complexities and ambiguities in Stevenson's characterizations.

6. Read about the history of England during the Wars of the Roses and report on the political context of the novel. How did the Wars of the Roses conclude?

7. Is The Black Arrow merely an escapist adventure, or does it convey a moral message? If so, what is the moral value?

8. Watch the Walt Disney film adaptation of The Black Arrow and compare it to the book.

9. Compare Richard Shelton to Stevenson's other young heroes: Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island and David Balfour in Kidnapped. In what ways do the outlaws resemble Long John Silver and Alan Breck Stewart?