Humanities 1

Study Guide: The Song of

Read the introduction as well as the text of the poem.

Know the following:

Who are these characters? What background do they come from? What functions or roles do they play in the story? What are their relationships to other characters? What notable things do they do? What is their fate?

1. When was the poem composed? How do we know this? 2. Who was the author of the poem? Why do we think this? 3. Where is the poem set? 4. What is the relationship between and historical events? 5. chansons de geste 6. jongleurs 7. 8. 9. Marsile 10. Turpin 11. the Spanish March 12. 13. 14. Twelve Peers 15. 16. 17. Malpramis 18. Monjoie 19. Preciuse 20. Oliphant 21. Who advises Marsile to make a peace offer to the emperor Charles? 22. What does Marsile offer to the emperor Charles in return for peace? 23. Why is Ganelon angry with Roland? 24. What do Ganelon and pledge to each other? 25. How old is the emperor Charles said to be? 26. What does the emperor Charles dream about? 27. Why does Roland refuse to blow his horn and summon Charles? 28. “Roland is brave and Oliver is wise” What is the context of this statement? 29. When Roland decides to blow his horn, what is Oliver’s reaction? 30. Who is the last Frank to die, before Roland? 31. What lands does Roland claim to have conquered with his sword? 32. What are the relics in the hilt of Roland’s sword? 33. Who bears Roland’s soul to paradise? 34. What miracle does God grant Charles as he pursues the enemy? 35. Who are Tervagant, Muhammad, and Apollo? 36. How does Baligant die? 37. What town does Charles capture after his victory? 38. What causes Aude’s death? 39. How is Ganelon’s fate determined? 40. How does Ganelon die?

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