The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland - Question B

Although The Song of Roland was probably popular among the Crusaders for many reasons, the poem could have also taught a lesson in conduct. Roland, a count fighting for King Charles, is representative of the all powerful, idealized fighter. Yet he is not without serious flaw: pride. Upon being betrayed and attacked by the Sarrazins, Oliver, his friend and comrade, pleads with him to blow the horn which will summon the King and his troops. Yet Rolland wishes to sacrifice himself and his comrades, and decides to fight without the kings help: 

A fool I should be found;

In France the Douce would perish my renown.

With Durendal I’ll lay on thick and stout,

In blood the blade, to its golden hilt, I’ll drown.

Felon pagans to th’ pass shall not come down;

I pledge you now, to death they all are bound. (ll 1053-8)

Though much of what Roland is proclaiming can be perceived as individual bravery, his pride to not be made a fool for asking for help is what leads him to his death and downfall.  Rolland cannot see past his own fear of asking for help and leads his men into battle. He believes that he and his men will have victory even though the odds are against them (ll. 1106-9).  It is prideful for him to believe that he can win without the help of his king or God.  By not asking for their help, Roland is revealed to be a man who wishes only to fight to prove his own greatness,

Roland must learn his of pride as he sees all of his deceased comrades and his tries to rid himself of his, “Good Durendal, unlucky is your plight!/ I’ve need of you no more; spent is my pride!” (ll 2304-5).  Like Roland has learned a lesson from his sin of pride, so too would readers recognize in the telling of this story.  Upon his death, then, he recalls many of his battles but also “He owns his faults” (l. 2383).  Roland has accepted his faults and is able to be forgiven because of that.  Through his own mistake the story reveals the downfall of men who have too much pride to ask for help.  And as the story concludes, this theme is again reiterated when King Charles asks God for help and is rewarded with the victory of battle.