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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What gift does Marsile give to Ganelon?

2. According to Ganelon, Marsile begs Charlemagne to save who?

3. Which animal was not taken on the journey as a gift?

4. What event will be celebrated with Charlemagne?

5. When Ganelon met Marsile, he was enveloped in what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Charlemagne's reaction when the governors and nobles approach him with the idea that Ganelon should be spared? What happens next?

2. What is Marsile's attitude toward Charlemagne? How will the King approach his rival?

3. What does Marsile's nephew claim that he needs in order to defeat Roland? What will the result be?

4. What is foretold at the end of Stanza XII? Who is supposedly responsible for the upcoming event?

5. What happens when Charlemagne hears the call? How does the Emperor respond to his nephew's call for help?

6. Why is Charlemagne puzzled at Alda's reaction to the deaths of Roland and Oliver? What is the cause of Alda's reaction?

7. What major events cause Marsile and many other Saracens to flee the battle even though they are winning against the French?

8. What is Ganelon's argument against the condemnation for Roland's death? Does anyone believe the tale and support Ganelon's cause?

9. How does Charlemagne react to the news from Blancandrin?

10. What is Ganelon's position on Marsile's hostile efforts against Charlemagne? What is the term that describes Ganelon's actions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marsile, Baligant, Roland, and Charlemagne all have different methods of arranging their troops before battle. Compare the Saracens' methods against the French. Also compare Marsile's methods to Baligant's and Roland's methods to those employed by Charlemagne.

Essay Topic 2

Ganelon professes hatred for Roland in the beginning of the tale and immediately plots Roland's death. Outline Ganelon's plan for Roland's execution and how it might be accomplished. Does Ganelon succeed? If so, how did the actual events compare to the original plan? What is the outcome regarding Ganelon?

Essay Topic 3

In many ways, Charlemagne and Marsile represent the age old battle of good vs. evil. What liberties does the author take with details to prove that God is on Charlemagne's side? How does Marsile rely upon his religion like Charlemagne relies upon Christianity? Compare and contrast the behavior of each side and how they prepare for war.

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