The Song of Roland and French Identity

The tragic heroes of the classical era now give way to the new type of hero who will arise in Medieval literature. To help us explore this concept, we'll unpack the following questions:

1. What makes Beowulf so alluring that new generations of readers are regularly drawn to it?
2. Why is The Song of Roland such an important part of the western tradition?
3. How much does Medieval chivalry form the basis for romance?

Recommended Reading: Early Fiction in England: From Geoffrey of Monmouth to Chaucer. New York: Penguin Classics, 2015.