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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Roland use to kill the Saracen?

2. What occurrence happens to Charlemagne once again?

3. Who watches over Charlemagne as the king sleeps?

4. Ganelon claims that he must protect what?

5. Where is Charlemagne's place among his army?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In order to decide if Ganelon should be executed, there is a battle between Thierry and Pinabel. The battle is also a metaphor for good versus evil, much like the battle fought between Roland and Marsile and Charlemagne and Baligant. Compare and contrast the three battles and their outcomes.

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

Part way through the story, Archbishop Turpin was faced with one of Marsile's people. The man was known as Siglorel, an enchanter. What is an enchanter? What was Turpin's reaction to Siglorel? Was the reaction justified? What was Siglorel's reputation? How did Siglorel help or hinder Marsile?

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This section contains 250 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample