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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many marble blocks are at Roland's resting place?

2. Who comes to Roland at the end of this part of the poem?

3. Charlemagne kills which important member of Baligant's army?

4. Who was not at the front of the battle formation?

5. After Charlemagne's call, how many Saracens attack Turpin and Roland?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a discussion shortly before Baligant goes to war about the strength of Charlemagne's troops. There are two sides to the debate. State both opinions, who held them, and which side turned out to be correct. Were the opinions formed on fact or supposition? How was one side proven wrong?

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

Marsile, Baligant, Roland, and Charlemagne all have different methods of arranging their troops before battle. Compare the Saracens' methods against the French. Also compare Marsile's methods to Baligant's and Roland's methods to those employed by Charlemagne.

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This section contains 231 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample