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Song of Roland Study Guide

by Anonymous - Song of Roland

Song of Roland study guide contains literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

For seven years, the valiant Christian king Charlemagne has made war against the Saracens in Spain. Only one Moslem stronghold remains, the city of Saragossa, under the rule of King Marsile and Queen Bramimonde. Marsile, certain that defeat is inevitable, hatches a plot to rid Spain of Charlemagne. He will promise to be Charlemagne's vassal and a Christian convert in exchange for Charlemagne's departure. But once Charlemagne is back in France, Marsile will renege on his promises. Charlemagne and his vassals, weary of the long war, receive Marsile's messengers and try to choose an envoy to negotiate at Marsile's court on Charlemagne's behalf.

Roland, a courageous knight and Charlemagne's right-hand man, nominates his stepfather, Ganelon…

Read the full Song of Roland Summary

• Song of Roland Summary
• About Song of Roland
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Section 1, Laisses 1-38 or Lines 1-511
• Summary and Analysis of Section 2, Laisses 39-87 or Lines 512-1109
• Summary and Analysis of Section 3, Laisses 88-138 or Lines 1110-1841
• Summary and Analysis of Section 4, Laisses 139-176 or Lines 1842-2396
• Summary and Analysis of Section 5, Laisses 177-186 or Lines 2397-2569
• Summary and Analysis of Section 6, Laisses 187-214 or Lines 2570-2973
• Summary and Analysis of Section 7, Laisses 215-272 or Lines 2974-3674
• Summary and Analysis of Section 8, Laisses 273-298 or Lines 3675-4002
• Related Links on Song of Roland
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Song of Roland: Major Themes
• Song of Roland: Essays
• Song of Roland: E-Text
• Song of Roland: Questions
• Song of Roland: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Anonymous - Song of Roland: Biography