The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland essay topics The “Song” was probably written down between the 1st and 2nd Crusades.  How is the story of Roland, which occurred hundreds of years before, used to express 12th century concerns?  (The introduction may give you a few ideas about this aspect of the poem.) In other words, why do we turn to history to explore contemporary concerns and themes? What sort of hero is Roland?  How do you explain some of his more contradictory actions (e.g., refusing to blow the horn for help, then blowing it when all hope is lost)?  How heroic is he?  Why is the poem named after him and not Charlemagne, for example? What do you make of the symmetry of opposing forces and figures in the poem?  For example, each hero has a counterpart on the opposite side, as do the divine forces. The Muslims have been called the “evil twins” of the Christians.  What artistic or other purpose does such mirroring suggest? Identify the symmetrical aspects of the poem and comment on their purpose and possible effect on a medieval reader? Compare the kings, Charlemagne and Marsilla.  What traits are emphasized for each?   What do they share? What do they not share? What restricts how Charlemagne can act?  How does his role of king fit into the social structure? Compare the ideals in this warrior society with the Greeks & Romans – what is familiar and what has changed? Discuss the portrayal of Islam in The Song of Roland. How does the comparison here parallel and differ from other depictions of Islam in what you have read this semester? What does the portrayal of Islam in Roland tell us about French medieval Christianity and how it approached the world? How does the second half of the epic relate to the first half?   What does the poem convey of medieval values, especially those connected with chivalry and knighthood?  Explore the themes that inspire the “Song,” especially loyalty, betrayal, and justice. How would you characterize the women who appear (however briefly) in the poem?  Are they important to the plot, in spite of their “bit” parts?