Song of Roland

Reading Song of Roland

How do you feel about Roland? Why does he not sound the olifant to call King Charlemagne’s army for help in the very beginning but sound it at last? Why do you think so? What kind of person is he according to you? Please find evidences from the text to justify your opinions.

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

Oliver counsels Roland to blow his oliphant horn, to call back Charlemagne's main force, but Roland refuses. His refusal is based upon a question of honor, dooming his army. Roland refuses to be cautious. He states that because God is on their side, they will crush the Moslems (in spite of the fact that the Moslems outnumber them five to one). I believe Roland's refusal is an act of pride based upon an over abundance of confidence, but I also believe in respecting the honor of another.