Which event is cited as a fault of Robert in the dispute with William?

Which event is cited as a fault of Robert in the dispute with William?

• A. In 1079, he knocked William off his horse in battle before ordering his wounded father to retreat.
• B. He peacefully negotiated a treaty.
• C. He sent ambassadors to Phillip for mediation.
• D. He fled to Sicily and never returned.

Answer: (A)

The event tested here shows a clear failure in conduct during the dispute: Robert directly attacks his rival in battle and then orders his wounded father to retreat. This portrays a reckless, aggressive stance driven by personal rivalry rather than restraint or duty, highlighting a flaw in leadership and loyalty during the feud. It contrasts with the other options, which describe more constructive or passive responses—peaceful negotiation, mediation attempts, or fleeing—situations that don’t illustrate the same fault in Robert’s behavior. In the historical narrative, this 1079 incident is cited precisely because it demonstrates that rough, confrontational conduct as a fault in the feud with William.

The event tested here shows a clear failure in conduct during the dispute: Robert directly attacks his rival in battle and then orders his wounded father to retreat. This portrays a reckless, aggressive stance driven by personal rivalry rather than restraint or duty, highlighting a flaw in leadership and loyalty during the feud. It contrasts with the other options, which describe more constructive or passive responses—peaceful negotiation, mediation attempts, or fleeing—situations that don’t illustrate the same fault in Robert’s behavior. In the historical narrative, this 1079 incident is cited precisely because it demonstrates that rough, confrontational conduct as a fault in the feud with William.