Abstract This well-researched paper delves into the text of the poem which focuses on events that took place in medieval times during the reign of the Christian Emperor Charlemagne. The writer of this paper applies the normative-descriptive method of research in gathering, interpreting and analyzing material derived from an English translation of the actual poem as well as published accounts, criticisms and analyses of the actual text. This paper analyzes "The Song of Roland" as both a work of literature and as a tool of propaganda. This paper discusses the popular premise that the poet's main intent was to inflame the Christian community and turn it against the followers of Islam. This paper discusses the poet's obvious inclusion of incorrect historical facts and racial biases throughout the poem. The writer explores the author's obvious pro-Christian stance in this particular poem. This paper also examines the views and opinions of various historians and critics who suggest that this poem, written in the 11th century about events that took place in the 8th century is largely misunderstood by most readers.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
"The Song of Roland" as a Literary Work
"The Song of Roland" as a Propaganda Text
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Charlemagne's revenge of Roland's death at Roncesvalles became deeply and firmly impressed into the minds of the French people. It does not appear to be a coincidence that the first extent version of this great chanson was written around 1095 during the launching of the First Crusade. From a political maneuver, it turns into a call for a holy war against the Muslims of Spain on account of their attack on Charlemagne's rear guard at Roncesvalles. The epic delineates and clearly and firmly sets down the meanings of good and evil throughout. It does so distinctively in the battlefield scenes where super-mortal forces clash for the control of the earth, using mortal bodies of Christians and pagans in a way of cosmological significance. While based on historical facts, the Song of Roland went through editing in the three centuries between the massacre and the writing of this epic. It is historically factual that the rear guard of Charlemagne's army was slaughtered at Roncesvalles, but it was the Basques and the Muslims that crushed Charlemagne's forces. Neither were the Franks waging a holy war against Spain."
Tags: french, literature, islam, christianity, roland, war, history, medievel
Abstract This paper compares and discusses two tales that deal with the consequences of the many types of human frailty: "The Song of Roland" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." It also provides the background and historical context of each work.
Tags: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Song of Roland, human frailty
Abstract In RolandBarthes' structuralist semiotic approach to sociology, it is clear that much insight into the character of society and culture can be derived by linguistic analogy. The paper shows that Barthes develops the view that language has a dual function that is public, available for all to see in a social context on one hand and on the other a psychological, i.e., private or imaginative, function. Creative and imaginative processes are associated with the impulse to respond to and express or interpret the public or social meanings that are made in and by language in its cultural function. The paper shows that much of what the individual experiences as either social or personal begins with language--identity, features of experience, narrative, communication with others and so on.
From the Paper "Thus Barthes looks at how linguistic forms, whether advertisements, art, rhetoric, or forms of social organization that function as communication, are actually used, with a view toward showing how their function indicates or signifies meaning for the (personal and private) experience of society. In other words, Barthes is looking at what social, public expressions intend to accomplish, with a view toward exposing the truth of or agenda behind those communicative processes. Signs and symbols, including language but also images, art, sounds, and so on, are the media of communication. The signs may be psychological or physical or both, and either manifestly or by way of some kind of code meant to convey (or conceal) meaning, these signs (signifiers) refer to or stand for (signify) some thing. The semiotic sociology, then, seeks to account for, or so to speak "decode," what is seen or expressed overtly. It is necessary because all linguistic designations come from somewhere."
Abstract This paper discusses the criticism of RolandBarthes as applied to the photographic image and the concepts of the stadium and the punctum as they help explain the effect of an image on the viewer. The paper then applies them to two images from John Szarkowski's book "Looking at Photographs," suggesting where Barthes may not fully explain the way photographs reach the viewer and how they carry meaning.
From the Paper "The photographic image has been described as a momentary capturing of reality, based on the false dictum that the camera never lies. In truth, the camera may lie, and it may alter "reality" in the process of capturing it. Critic Roland Barthes has written extensively on the meaning of the image and on how the image achieves its effects on the viewer, and so how the image conveys meaning. Meaning can also be imposed by the viewer, and the process is not always easy to sort out by those who want to know which came first. The concepts offered by Barthes will be discussed first, followed by an application of them to two images from John Szarkowski's book Looking at Photographs."
Abstract In this article the writer addresses the current issue of cosmetic surgery and vanity as it relates to societal expectations. The writer explores the work of RolandBarthes titled "The Face of Garbo" to illustrate the long impact that vanity and facial looks have on society even today. The writer concludes that the work by Barthes, aims to exploit, explain and examine the issue of good looks and the societal reverence for good looks in the era of Garbo, but one can easily see that the issue of good looks is still present today.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Writing
References
From the Paper "This is underscored by Barthes in his writing when he examines the lack of expression in the eyes but raves over the beauty in the plaster like facial beauty.
This is a work that easily relates to the contemporary issue of vanity as the world watches Spain get heavily criticized on its recent mandate that models who are too thin will not be allowed to walk the fashion show runways.
It doesn't matter to current society what one is doing to one's health or what one's dreams and ambitions are as long as one looks good. Today, women in the news field have to constantly maintain their youthful looks while their male peers are allowed to age before the camera. A few years ago a woman broadcast anchor sued a major network for firing her because she began to age, however it continues to happen".
Abstract The paper offers a summary of RolandBarthes' account of myth. The paper explains how myth is understood in modern Western culture. The paper includes Barthes' definition and analysis of what myth means and what its components are.
From the Paper "Barthes' essay "Myth Today" shows how myth makes meaning in modern Western culture. To get to that objective, he undertakes an extended project of definition and analysis of what myth itself means and what its components are. He begins with the obvious point that myth is a type of speech although he includes in that a range of communication activities. Myth involves the communication speech artifact which comes in a certain form."
This paper discusses "The Song of Roland", by an anonymous author, translated by Patricia Terry. It specifically examines the brave knight, Roland, the principal character.
Abstract The paper explains that "The Song of Roland" is an epic poem, which tells the story of how, after seven long years of fighting, King Charlemagne's French forces were eliminated by Muslim forces during the Crusades in Spain; Count Roland is Charlemagne's nephew, a brave and gallant knight who serves Charlemagne well. The author points out that this poem, probably written around the year 1100, is the oldest known epic poem, a format that was very popular at this time. The paper concludes that Roland, an epic hero and a symbol of knighthood and chivalry, demonstrates that those who are true to their beliefs and religion can do mighty things and will be greeted on their journey to heaven.
From the Paper "Roland is clearly Charlemagne's favorite, he says of him "'God! If I lose him, no one can take his place'" (35). Yet, even though he has an ominous dream, he sends Roland off to command the rear guard as Ganelon has suggested, and so, he seals Roland's fate. Yet, even though Ganelon is a traitor, Roland will not listen to anything bad about his stepfather. He admonishes Oliver when he calls him "false-hearted" (42), and is true to his family, even though they are not true to him. This intense loyalty extends to his king, to his men, and to his conviction that Christianity must spread throughout the world. This loyalty is an important part of chivalry, and Roland is an excellent example of what people of the time felt chivalry should represent."
This paper discusses the conflicting views of Calvinists, Arminians and Karl Barth about the predestination of humans and then presents Millard Erickson's solution.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract The paper uses Millard Erickson's book "Christian Theology" to compare and contrast the belief structures of the Calvinists, Arminians and Karl Barth. This includes a brief summary of Erickson's perspective on how the conflicts between these theologies can be resolved. The topics discussed in this paper include predestination, the elect, human depravity and free will as pertains to these concepts.
From the Paper "The Calvinists and Arminians have some very basic conflicting views of the predestination of humans in relation to God, grace and free will. Theologian Karl Barth devised a series of arguments that attempted to walk a path between or perhaps around these conflicting arguments, while still not completely disagreeing with either position out of hand. In this paper, I will discuss the similarities and differences between these three perspectives and describe Millard Erickson's solution to the apparent discrepancies. The Calvinist beliefs on predestination are complex, and are best described, according to Erickson, as falling into one of five basic tenets. These are: "total depravity, unconditional predestination, limited atonement, irresistible grace and perseverance." Each of these concepts is important to understanding their basic belief system, although there are variations in the theology."
This paper compares the theme of Christianity in "The Song of Roland" (Anonymous) and in selected New Testament books, emphasizing patterns of Christian ideas.
Abstract This paper explains that the epic "The Song of Roland", written in France in the 12th century, is about a legendary 8th-century hero and member of the court of Charlemagne, who is the champion of the Roman Church in Europe. This paper discusses that the Christian identity of "The Song of Roland" can be distinguished from the Christian identity of the Apostolic Period. The author points out that the Church's affiliation with military objectives is reflected in the epic.
From the Paper "The relevance of Charlemagne's history to the history of Christianity and to The Song of Roland is the fact that, under Charlemagne, Christianity was identified with the institution of the Church. And, just as at its origin, Christianity was in significant part to be understood as a fulfillment of Jewish law, so was Charlemagne's activity meant to be understood as a fulfillment of the mission of Christianity in the shape of the Church. This dynamic is in the background of The Song of Roland, though the focus of the epic poem is on Roland's adventures, betrayal, and death in the context of France's battles with the "Paynim [pagan, Saracen] King of Spain.""
Tags: apostolic, charlemagne, paul, jesus, matthew
Abstract This paper looks at how "Everyman" and "The Song of Roland" are both morality plays, which were written anonymously during the medieval times. It examines how both plays give a message of ethics and good faith to their audience mainly through their main characters Everyman and Roland and how each hero undergoes death, which is in accordance with Christian ideals. It emphasizes the differences between how both characters struggle and face death and how they eventually learn to accept their fate.
From the Paper "Besides the struggle against death another common theme in both dramas is facing death. Everyman after being granted the permission from God seeks camaraderie. Everyman is certain and confidant that those who he consider friends will certainly offer their help once he tells them his problem. He calls for Fellowship, Goods, Beauty and Strength to council and accompany him on his way but sadly they betray him despite their strong promises and due to their true nature. Only two of his true friends namely, Good-Deeds and Knowledge agree to help Everyman through this tough situation. Everyone is overjoyed and learns to arbiter correctly what actually matters to the health of the soul facing death. Roland and his knights offer no resistance against the Saracens who are great in number."
Abstract This paper examines the two medieval works "Everyman," and "The Song of Roland," both written by anonymous authors. Specifically, it compares and contrasts the two texts, illustrating their commonalities and distinct differences. It discusses how no matter how both protagonists accepted their fate and faced death, both stories show that both men died and acquired salvation according to the Christian ideal. It looks at how the play "Everyman" shows this world and its life is only materialistic and temporary. "The Song of Roland" shows living a good life is not enough, one must truly believe in Christianity and repent for one's sins to find everlasting redemption and life. Only life after death is real and rewarding when one arises to heaven and experiences God's true love.
From the Paper "Yet another theme in both stories is trust and loyalty. Roland's character embodies ironic trust, because it is his own stepfather who betrays him. Roland is loyal to a man who he cannot trust. Oliver, Roland's good friend, is loyal towards Roland until his death. In "Everyman," Good Deeds? loyalty surpasses those of everyone else. All the others who call themselves friends promise Everyman loyalty and faith yet their words mean nothing for they fail to keep their promises. This is where the two men diverge. They have much in common, but the two works diverge in their style and delivery, which sets each man apart with his own struggles and messages."
The paper looks at the anonymous French poem "Song of Roland", highlighting the juxtaposition of good and evil characters within the feudal code of conduct.
Abstract The writer analyzes the anonymous old French epic that possibly dates from the middle of the 11th century. The paper specifically discusses the two main characters as they portray the opposition of good and evil: Roland, the embodiment of feudal chivalry, and Ganelon respectively. The paper finally posits that together these two characters constitute a complete man.
From the Paper "Here the conflict between Ganelon and Roland escalates, for Ganelon, lacking Roland's courage and sense of honor, is infuriated when Roland first suggests that he be Charles's emissary and then jeers at his stepfather's fear of danger, volunteering to go himself since Ganelon cowers so. Envious of the king's favoritism toward Roland and humiliated by Roland's insult, Ganelon vows to "stir up such a feud with . . . [Roland]/that it will last as long as . . . [he's] alive" (I. 290-291). Upon reaching Saragossa, Ganelon enlists the help of Marsilla to betray Roland, and thus the battle between good and evil, the conflict between loyalty and treason, ensues vehemently."
Abstract This paper is a critical response to the "Song of Roland", dealing with the themes of Christianity, chivalry, and the role of Islam in the narrative. It also looks at the heroic knight battle structure and the narrative plot.
From the Paper "At its most basic The Song of Roland is an adventure story of heroic knightly battle. However it also portrays the values and practices of a society governed by chivalry and it establishes characters with distinctive personality traits who either do or do not .."
Abstract This paper discusses "The Song of Roland" and discusses how the violence expressed in this work is striking in terms of what it says about the religious sensibilities of the age. It also looks at what the song says about the social obligations of the warrior class alive during the eighth and ninth centuries in what is today France. The paper then contrasts this with the way in which violence is treated in Greek mythology, most notably in the "Iliad" by Homer.
From the Paper "At other points in classical Greek literature, it becomes abundantly clear that, while the ancient Greeks were certainly congenial to gaining possessions and tribute by violence, they were not consumed with the same lust for honor and for good reputation in battle that drove the Frankish nights of many centuries later. For instance, when the time comes to fight the Trojans, Odysseus feigns madness in an effort to get out of battle; this ruse ultimately fails when Palamedes finds him out and it is hardly unexpected when the former engineers the latter's eventual demise. As an addendum, Odysseus' shameful actions are brought to the attention of the attending audience in a later sequence found in the Metamorphoses when Ajax and he are competing for the weapons of the deceased Achilles; in a moment of withering disdain, Ajax asks why the always-scheming Odysseus should be rewarded when he had to be dragged into the battle in the first place (Parada & Forlag, para.9)."
