Study Questions - Song of Roland
1. What restricts how Charlemagne can act? How does his role of king fit into the
social structure?
2. Compare the ideals in this warrior society with the Greeks & Romans - what is
familiar and what has changed?
3. Why is Ganelon upset at the honor of being ambassador? What acts while he is ambassador
are wrong and how does he justify his actions?
4. Read Roland's death scene carefully - what causes his death?
5. Does Turpin fit your image of a Catholic archbishop? Explain.
6. What role does religion play in this work, both in the battles and otherwise?
7. Compare the kings, Charlemagne and Marsilla. What traits are emphasized for each?
What do they share? what not?
8. How is the trial by combat pictured - approval? disdain? What is significant
about its outcome?
9. Describe the picture of Islam drawn in this text; what does it tell you about the
Christians?
10. Discuss the traits of oral-formulaic composition that come through in the text.
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