In: Psychology
The Song of Roland "Roland is the exemplar of the ethical code of knighthood that is repeatedly praised in the poem” (987). Choose and analyze one example of a character either adhering to the ethical code of knighthood or going against it.
King Charlemagne's army was fighting the Muslim king Marsilla. When Marsilla came to know that he can’t fight the mighty army of Charlemagne, he offers to surrender. The king wanted to send a messenger and Roland nominates his stepfather Ganelon. His step father considers this as an ambush set against him thinking that Roland did this to take revenge on him. So, when he reached Marsilla, he planned an ambush against the rear guard which he believed will be led by Roland. Marsilla instead of surrendering adhered to Ganelon and ambushed the rear guard of Charlemagne's army which was led by Roland.
Oliver requested Roland to blow his Oliphant to alert king’s army that was marching in front of them at a distance. However, Roland refused to blow it because he believed that a real knight fights and dies without running like a coward. So, as a knight he was right to make that decision of staying and fighting without asking for help from the King’s army. The entire rear guard was wiped and he finally blew the Oliphant to alert the king, who came and retaliated for the death of his soldiers.
On the other hand, just because of his knighthood and bravery he was risking the entire rear guard of the army. Had he called for help keeping his pride aside, he could have saved the entire army because chivalry is also about saving people with him. The entire rear guard was wiped out because of his selfish decision.