Readings

The reading is available at Leavey reserves in book form. There are 3 copies available at the reception desk in the History Dept and they may be checked out for two hours at a time. The best thing would be to make your own personal copy of this. Please email me or Stacey if you have any questions.

Reading Assignments

This weeks reading is on the handout Jason gave in class.

Office Hours

My office hours will be on Wednesday after class.

change of office hours

My office hours on Monday will be from 9-10 instead of from 12-1. I am sorry for this inconvenience.

Best,
Stacey

2 items

1) I can't find the William of Poitiers reading either.

2) I am not having office hours today.

In the Song of Roland, the author's portrayal of heroism is shown through the actions of Roland. Roland is a valiant warrior who stays behind with eleven of his other peers and twenty thousand franks to protect eh hold that the Franks have on Spain. Along with his fellow counts, he protects their share of Spain from the pagans. His heroic character is derived from the virtues of integrity, loyalty, and courage. The loyalty to his king shown in Roland's character can also be seen when Beowulf taithfully returns to his homeland to pay respect to his king after killing Grendel. Beowulf's courage that he had for the daunting talk of slaying Grendel can be compared to the predicament faced by the twelve counts left behind when they are heavily outnumbered by the pagan armies that attack the Franks.

Heroism is very similar in Beowulf and Song of Roland. In both instances, death in battle is glamorous. Both Roland and Beowulf took on challenges in which the odds were against them. And despite dying, the two are highly revered for their bravery. Roland was stupid for not calling for support. However, because he died in battle his fame grew. The one difference between the two portrayals of heroism seems to be the reward. In Song of Roland, there is an emphasis on religion. It’s the Christians versus the Muslims. Fittingly, Roland is granted eternal salvation. Meanwhile, Beowulf was granted fame.