The Song of Roland - Text Based Response
- Due No Due Date
- Points 10
- Submitting a text entry box
Background:
Charlemagne was without a doubt one of the most significant leaders of the early middle ages. After the fall of the Roman Empire it was he alone who held the majority of Europe together under his rule. The main opponent of Charlemagne regaining all of Europe was the arrival of Muslims in Spain who began to venture further into Europe and northward into France, which was part of Charlemagne's empire. The epic poem "The Song of Roland" is an account of how Charlemagne repelled the threat to his empire in the form of Muslim invasion. It also tells about how his legend and reputation was known to his adversaries.
PLEASE NOTE: The line: Mahumet’s man, he invokes Apollin’s aid (means: Muhammad's man, he invokes Allah's aid).
Directions:
Read the first two stanzas of The Song of Roland (a digital copy of this has been attached to this post) and answer the focus questions in the text entry box. The text entry box will appear when you tap the Submit Assignment button. In addition an audio version of these two stanzas has been attached to assist you with reading.
Digital Copy of The Song of Roland:
Audio Version of Text:
Copy and paste these questions in the test entry box and answer them in complete sentences:
1. As the poem opens, how long has Charlemagne (Charles the King) been fighting in Spain, and what has he managed to accomplish?
2. What is the one city that remains for Charlemagne to conquer in Spain?
3. Based on this passage, what does King Marsilies expect to happen in the future?
4. What do you think Blancandrin will say as the poem continues?