The Song Of Roland (Part 1)
The Song of Roland Quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
For seven years, Charlemagne has made war in Spain against the ____________.
Explanation
Charlemagne has been engaged in a seven-year war in Spain against the Saracens. The term "Saracens" refers to the Arab Muslims who were present in Spain during that time. This suggests that Charlemagne was involved in a military campaign against the Muslim forces in Spain, possibly with the aim of expanding his own territory or defending Christian lands. The mention of the Saracens indicates a specific enemy that Charlemagne was fighting against during this period.Rate this question:
- 2.
He has conquered the entire country, except for the stronghold of ____________, which is held by the pagan King Marsile.
Explanation
The correct answer is Saragossa because it is stated in the question that the protagonist has conquered the entire country except for Saragossa, which is still under the control of King Marsile.Rate this question:
- 3.
Seeing that defeat is inevitable, ,_____________ in repose in his garden, calls an assembly of 20,000 men to ask their advice.
Explanation
In this question, the context provided suggests that defeat is inevitable for someone. Based on this information, we can infer that the person mentioned in the answer, King Marsile, is the one who is seeing defeat as inevitable. The question also mentions that King Marsile is in repose in his garden and calls an assembly of 20,000 men to seek their advice. Therefore, King Marsile is the correct answer as it aligns with the given context.Rate this question:
- 4.
Only the lord _____________ speaks up, and he offers a plan of treachery. Marsile should sue for peace, offering to be Charlemagne's tribute-giving vassal and to be baptized as a Christian in Charlemagne's capital, Aix. To guarantee good behavior, they will offer their own sons as hostages.
Explanation
Blancandrin is the correct answer because he is the only character mentioned in the given passage who speaks up and offers a plan of treachery. He suggests that Marsile should sue for peace, become Charlemagne's vassal, and be baptized as a Christian. To ensure their loyalty, they will offer their own sons as hostages.Rate this question:
- 5.
Charlemagne will leave Spain, to await _________ in Aix. But neither the promised treasure nor _________ will arrive. Although the French king will then kill the hostages, the military threat will be over. The Saracens unanimously approve of this plan, and _________ sends "ten of his most treacherous men" (l. 69) to act as emissaries.
Explanation
The correct answer is Marsile. Based on the given information, Charlemagne will leave Spain and wait for Marsile in Aix. However, the promised treasure and Marsile himself will not arrive. Charlemagne will then kill the hostages, ending the military threat. The Saracens unanimously approve of this plan, and Marsile sends "ten of his most treacherous men" as emissaries. Therefore, Marsile is the most fitting answer as he is the one who is supposed to arrive in Aix but fails to do so.Rate this question:
- 6.
Charles, having just conquered the city of _________, is resting in a garden, surrounded by some of his vassals. Marsile's emissaries, led by Blancandrin, approach bearing olive branches and a gift of ten white mules
Explanation
Charles, after conquering the city of Cordoba, is taking a break in a garden with some of his vassals. Marsile's emissaries, led by Blancandrin, come to Charles with olive branches and a gift of ten white mules.Rate this question:
- 7.
__________ gives Charles Marsile's offer. Charles considers carefully: although he does not exactly trust Marsile, he has been in Spain for seven years and is an old man. He calls his vassals to discuss the proposal. Roland, one of Charlemagne's twelve peers and the most beloved of Charlemagne's vassals, urges the king to refuse the offer. Marsile has proved treacherous in the past; he sued for peace on a previous occasion, but when Charlemagne sent two trusted emissaries Marsile had them beheaded.
Explanation
Blancandrin is the one who gives Charles Marsile's offer. Charles is hesitant to trust Marsile but considers the offer due to his old age and long stay in Spain. Charles calls his vassals to discuss the proposal, and Roland, one of Charlemagne's trusted vassals, advises the king to refuse the offer. This is because Marsile has a history of treachery, as he had beheaded two trusted emissaries sent by Charlemagne in a previous peace negotiation. Blancandrin's role in presenting the offer is significant in the context of the story.Rate this question:
- 8.
___________, Roland's stepfather, speaks next. He brutally criticizes Roland's advice, characterizing it as foolhardy and uncaring about the Christians who will die if the war continues.
- 9.
A wise duke named __________ speaks next, in more measured tones: since Marsile is in effect already defeated, and is now begging for mercy, it would be sinful to proceed. Charles asks whom they shall send as the emissary. Duke ___________ immediately volunteers, but Charlemagne cannot spare him. He needs the trusted councilor by his side.
- 10.
Roland volunteers, but his friend ________, another one of the twelve peers, voices disapproval, because Roland is far too hotheaded for the job. ________ volunteers. Charlemagne again vetoes these proposals, saying he cannot spare any of the twelve peers. The warrior-archbishop Turpin volunteers next, and is likewise shot down.
Explanation
Oliver is the correct answer because he is mentioned as the one who volunteers after Roland's friend voices disapproval. However, Charlemagne vetoes this proposal as well, indicating that Oliver is also not suitable for the job.Rate this question:
- 11.
Roland nominates Ganelon, who is furious, and believes that Roland wants him to do. He threatens Roland, but Roland coldly dismisses the threat and says that he only sought a wise emissary. He offers to go in Ganelon's place, which makes Ganelon angrier. Ganelon accepts the task, certain that he will die. He tells Charlemagne that he hates Roland, and he also hates Oliver and the rest of the twelve peers because they love Roland. Charlemagne rebukes him, insists on him going, and invests authority in him by giving him his ___________ . But Ganelon drops the glove, which the rest of the Franks take as an evil premonition.
- 12.
Blessed by Charlemagne, Ganelon departs with staff and letter in tow. During the journey, he talks to ______________, and the two villains plot Roland's death. Ganelon and __________ go before Marsile, who is seated outdoors and surrounded by opulence. The meeting gets off to a rocky start, as Ganelon tells Marsile that if he does not comply with Charles demands, he will be captured and executed. Marsile is furious, and moves to strike Ganelon, but he is restrained. Ganelon holds his ground, impressing the Saracens.
Explanation
During the journey, Ganelon talks to Blancandrin, and the two villains plot Roland's death. Ganelon and Blancandrin go before Marsile, who is seated outdoors and surrounded by opulence. The meeting gets off to a rocky start, as Ganelon tells Marsile that if he does not comply with Charles demands, he will be captured and executed. Marsile is furious, and moves to strike Ganelon, but he is restrained. Ganelon holds his ground, impressing the Saracens.Rate this question:
- 13.
Marsile reads Charlemagne's letter aloud. Charlemagne bids him to remember _____________, the executed Frankish emissaries, and says that if he wishes to redeem his life, he should send his uncle the caliph. Marsile's son demands the right to kill Ganelon for his insolence; Ganelon brandishes his sword, ready to fight. But Marsile goes into private council in his garden, where Blancandrin tells him that Ganelon is willing to help them. They summon Ganelon into the garden, and begin to plot Roland's death.
- 14.
Roland's sword __________.
Explanation
Roland's sword is named Durendal.Rate this question:
- 15.
_____________ offers penatance.
- 16.
Marsile's nephew, _____________, insults the Franks, and an angry Roland immediately dispatches him for it.
Explanation
Aelroth is the correct answer because Marsile's nephew insults the Franks and in response, Roland immediately dispatches him.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 17, 2009Quiz Created by
Savash
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