Introduction
In African American culture, a saying goes, “Pride comes before a fall.” This phrase sums up Roland’s predicament in the book as it relates to his reluctance to sound the Oliphant horn. The essay will discuss the three occurrences involving Roland’s horn-blowing.
Discussion
Roland declines to sound his horn to call King Charlemagne, causing the first incident. He resisted calling for assistance primarily out of fear of becoming seen among the French people as a coward who asked for assistance while being ill-prepared to fight his struggle. This choice demonstrates Roland’s macho persona and the mindset of the troops at the time. Oliver cites the following as evidence for this tenet. Oliver stated: “The pagan force is great; from what I see, our French here is too few. Roland, my companion, sound your horn then, Charles will hear it, and the army will come back.” Roland answers in (Kenneth, n.d., Line 83): “I’d be a fool to do it. I would lose my good name all through sweet France.”
In the second instance, Roland genuinely decides to sound his horn and cry for assistance, but his fellow soldier Oliver tells him not to because it is already too late. Roland said, “I’ll sound the Oliphant, Charles will hear it, drawing through the passes, I promise you, the Franks will return at once,” which is supported by the narrative. Oliver says, “That would be a great disgrace, a dishonor, and reproach to all your kin, the shame of it would last them all their lives,” in the following line of the text (Kenneth, n.d., Line 129). The text suggests that Oliver was exceedingly dissatisfied with Roland’s choices, to the point that Oliver declares that he will explain to Roland what constitutes a worthy vassal.
In the final horn-blowing episode, Roland is aggressively persuaded to blow the horn for Charlemagne’s troops by Bishop Turnipin. The Bishop requests that he organize the troops’ arrival so they may properly bury the dead soldiers and exact revenge. The only issue with sounding the horn is when Roland blows too forcefully and bursts his temples. After falling on his sword and stumbling, Roland repents his misdeeds and prepares for the angel Gabriel to arrive and carry him to paradise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Roland song is a historical illustration of what happens when prideful arrogance is present. Additionally, it reminds the reader that requesting assistance is acceptable when other people’s lives are in danger. The passage also emphasizes how so-called Christians interred their dead in ancient times.
Reference
Kenneth, C. (n.d.). The Song of Roland