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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who/what is Murgles?

2. Who asks for permission to kill Roland?

3. Which of the following will NOT be offered to Charlemagne?

4. This stanza predicts:

5. What was the weather when Blancandrin arrived?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ganelon's position on Marsile's hostile efforts against Charlemagne? What is the term that describes Ganelon's actions?

2. What happened when two of Charlemagne's counts went to Marsile to try and take over Saragossa? Which two counts went on the mission?

3. What does Roland do to anger Ganelon? What is Ganelon's response?

4. What happens to Oliver and what is the result of the conflict? How does Roland react?

5. What major events cause Marsile and many other Saracens to flee the battle even though they are winning against the French?

6. What does Ganelon propose to Marsile on behalf of Charlemagne?

7. What is Charlemagne's reaction when the governors and nobles approach him with the idea that Ganelon should be spared? What happens next?

8. What is the purpose of Archbishop Turpin's presence? What does Turpin do while at the camp?

9. How do Marsile's messengers intend to deceive Charlemagne? Why do they think the Emperor will fall for it?

10. What does Ganelon tell Blancandrin about Roland? What is the solution to the problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The trio of Charlemagne, Roland and Oliver is a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. When Charlemagne leaves Roland and Oliver alone with the troops, who assumes the third position? Was the choice obvious? How is it that Charlemagne's people are or are not protected in the Emperor's absence?

Essay Topic 2

As with many ancient tales, some of the numbers used in the story are obviously inaccurate. For example, Charlemagne is said to be at least 200 years old. Roland is able to slay 4,000 Saracens although he is mortally wounded. What is the purpose and explanation of these numbers? Do the numbers represent anything in particular? How might one uncover the true numbers in the story?

Essay Topic 3

In many ways, Charlemagne and Marsile represent the age old battle of good vs. evil. What liberties does the author take with details to prove that God is on Charlemagne's side? How does Marsile rely upon his religion like Charlemagne relies upon Christianity? Compare and contrast the behavior of each side and how they prepare for war.

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