Song of Roland

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/song-of-roland

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the literary form?Chanson de geste (song of deeds), an epic poem
2. What is the date of composition?Likely late 11th century
3. What is "The Song of Roland" about?It is an old French poem that tells the story of brave knights, a sneaky betrayal, and a hero's last stand.
4. When was the poem written and when does it take place?The poem was likely written in the late 11th century, but it tells a story set in the late 8th century during Charlemagne's reign.

Chanson de geste: A medieval epic poem celebrating heroic deeds, typically of knights and historical figures.
Vernacular Literature: Literature written in the common language of a region, rather than in Latin.
Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to a downfall.