—Myths and Legends of the Middle Ages.
1. Explain fully the relationship between Charlemagne and Roland.
2. How did Roland first attract the emperor's attention? What do these early acts of the youth show about the life and living of the times?
3. When did Charlemagne live? Over what country did he rule? Explain the difference between an emperor and a king; a page and a knight.
4. What feat did Roland perform when he was yet a page? One of the characteristics of a legend is its overstatement of fact. Is there anything improbable in Roland's overthrow of the knight? In a series of legendary stories, statements often conflict. What conflict of statement about Roland's father is there in this story?
5. Any encyclopedia and many books of legends will tell you more about Roland. See what you can find, make brief notes of what you read, and report your findings from your notes to the class.
6. Pronounce, spell, and define: amused; attracted; acute; interfere; triumph; gallant; separately; courtiers; distinguish; gigantic; opponent; disappointed; paladin.