19 pages • 38 minutes read
AnonymousA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Like all works of epic poetry (See: Literary Devices), The Song of Roland’s main concern is establishing French identity and nationhood. Roland develops ideas of French heroism and honor through the figures of King Charlemagne and Roland, his nephew. These characters’ virtues infuse Roland’s narrative with a sense of right and wrong, and work to both celebrate and justify Charlemagne’s expansion into Spain. The poem’s bolstering of Charlemagne’s empire is hyperbolic, falsifying the empire’s borders so that it encompasses all of Europe. The poem’s speaker presents Charlemagne’s invasion as divinely inspired. As angels and other divine beings fight alongside Charlemagne’s army, the poem assures listeners that Charlemagne is the rightful ruler of Spain and the rest of Europe by divine provenance. Meanwhile, the speaker represents the attacking Saracens as disconnected from divine aid.
Roland places attention on the heroic deeds and virtuous behavior of its two main heroes, Roland and Charlemagne. While these characters are based on real, historical figures, the poet embellishes history to glorify the Franks and their deeds. Some of these embellishments, such as the Saracens’ repeated claim that Charlemagne “is over two hundred years old” (Lines 524, 539, 552), appear morally benign.
By Anonymous
Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights
Anonymous
Arden of Faversham
Arden of Faversham
Anonymous
A Woman in Berlin
A Woman in Berlin
Anonymous
Bible (New Testament)
Bible (New Testament): English Standard Version
Anonymous
Bible: Old Testament
Bible: Old Testament: English Standard Version
Anonymous
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy
Anonymous
Diary of an Oxygen Thief
Diary of an Oxygen Thief
Anonymous
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Anonymous
Everyman
Everyman
Anonymous
Hebrew Bible
Hebrew Bible
Anonymous
Holy Bible
Holy Bible
Anonymous
Homeric Hymns
Homeric Hymns
Anonymous
Judith
Judith
Anonymous
Laxdaela Saga
Laxdaela Saga
Anonymous
Lazarillo De Tormes
Lazarillo De Tormes
Anonymous
Mahabharata
Mahabharata
Anonymous
Nibelungenlied
Nibelungenlied
Anonymous
Njals Saga
Njals Saga
Anonymous
One Thousand and One Nights
One Thousand and One Nights
Anonymous
Popol Vuh
Popol Vuh
Anonymous
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection
View Collection