The Song of Roland is our first major medieval work.  We've now left behind Rome, and we begin to look at another new culture.

We've been looking at what the ancient Greeks and Romans valued.  It's time now to ask what medieval culture valued.  In the Song of Roland, we have the story of a great king (Charlemagne) and a great hero (Roland) and a couple great villains (Marsilion and Ganelon).  So, from this story, what can we say about the values of medieval French culture?

Focus particularly on several episodes.  First, look carefully at how Charlemagne makes the decision to leave Roland in charge of the rearguard and the way in which Roland responds.  Second, focus on Roland's decision not to sound his horn (despite Oliver's prompting to do so).  Finally, focus on Roland's decision to sound his horn and Charlemagne's response.

Why does Roland agree to command the rearguard?  Why does Charlemagne react the way he does to Ganelon's suggestion that Roland command it?  Why is Roland furious with Ganelon for suggesting him as commander of the rearguard?  Why does Roland refuse the troops offered by Charlemagne?  What do all these actions and reactions tell us about what is important to Roland and Charlemagne?

Why does Oliver want Roland to sound his horn?  Why does Roland refuse?  Is he right to refuse?  If so, why does he decide later to sound the horn?  Is he right to do so?

What are we supposed to think of Roland?  Is he a tragic hero, to be admired for his courage and his great sacrifice?  Is he a foolhardy show-off, to be criticized for his refusal to admit his need for help?  What is the writer of the poem trying to tell us about what is valuable and good?  What does his culture seem to value in its heroes?

To answer such questions, you might think too about other heroes we've met so far.  How does Roland compare to Gilgamesh, Odysseus, and Aeneas, for example?  Gilgamesh was motivated to become a hero by Enkidu; Odysseus was motivated to become a hero by his desire to go home; Aeneas was motivated to become a hero by his reverence for destiny and the gods.  What motivates Roland to become a hero?  What does he value above all?