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

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to Ganelon after Charlemagne goes to help Roland?

2. Who kills Malprimis?

3. What is the name of Charlemagne's sword?

4. Who watches over Charlemagne as the king sleeps?

5. Who/what solves Charlemagne's dilemma?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ganelon professes hatred for Roland in the beginning of the tale and immediately plots Roland's death. Outline Ganelon's plan for Roland's execution and how it might be accomplished. Does Ganelon succeed? If so, how did the actual events compare to the original plan? What is the outcome regarding Ganelon?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

When Charlemagne informed Oliver's sister, Alda, that Oliver and Roland were dead, the girl had a violent reaction. What were Charlemagne's words to Alda and how did she react? How did Charlemagne attempt to make Alda feel better? Did it work? What was the outcome of the scene?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 221 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample