Song of Roland Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. The Song of Roland is pretty clearly a black-and-white battle between good and evil, Christian and pagan. How would the poem change if the Franks were fighting other Christians?
  2. How does the structure of the poem reflect its oral tradition?
  3. Why isn't it called the Song of Charlemagne?
  4. What is the role of women in this poem?
  5. How would the poem's tone change if the narrator did not comment on the action or drop hints about what was coming next?
  6. What kind of soundtrack would you create for the Song of Roland?