In the Song of Roland, the protagonist, Roland, faces his death as the final consequence of his cocky and prideful actions. At the beginning of the poem Oliver pointed out Roland's consistent and proud behavior in the past. Roland then proves Oliver's point by fighting with only his intentions in mind. In the end, Roland pays for his pride with the defeat of his army and his personal death. Therefore, Roland's actions throughout the poem which are constantly carried out out of pride lead to his impending death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Oliver, Roland's close friend, presents Roland's past behavior as prideful. King Charlemagne asks for a volunteer to deliver the message to Marsile, the Muslim emir, to which "Roland replies: 'I am ready to go.'/ 'Certainly not,' said Count Oliver, / 'Your temper is very hostile and fierce, / I fear you might quarrel / If the king wishes, I am ready to go'” (254-258) In this section, Oliver tells Roland how his temper would get him into trouble if the king sent him to Marsile. Roland's temper is proud and always finds a way to start a fight. Roland's desire to "pick a fight" is a result of him always believing he is right, showing his pride his best friend by his temper, saying it could lead to a spat that would escalate into a battle. If Roland's temper is described as "hostile" and "fierce", it will not provide the stability an army needs to win a battle. battle In a way, Oliver not only gives a glimpse into the past, saying that being proud is Roland's typical nature, but also foreshadows Roland's death due to his proud temperament. Oliver, a very close friend of Roland, tells the story of Roland's behavior, saying that it would not be unlikely for him to make trouble for his own pride. Furthermore, Roland himself demonstrates this by causing trouble in battle by fighting for himself. The next point is that Roland only fights with his intentions in mind, without focusing on the big picture. Oliver suggests that Roland blow on the oliphant to signal Charlemagne to help him in the battle against the overwhelming Muslim force closing in on them. But then «Roland replies: 'It would be an act of madness; / Throughout the fair land of France I would lose my good name / Immediately I will strike great blows with Durendalus; / The blade will flow blood to the golden hilt. / These traitorous heathens will rue the day they came to this step. / I swear to you, they are all condemned to death'” (1053-1058). In this quote, Roland refuses to blow the horn because it will bring down his reputation in the eyes of all the Franks. He is so focused on his good reputation that he does not notice the size of the Muslim army at all. Instead of focusing on the outcome of the battle, he focuses on making sure he looks good to others back home. He shows not even the slightest consideration for the lives of his soldiers, amplifying his own skills in battle. His narrow view of battle puts the lives of his men in danger, which ultimately leads to devastating consequences. Roland's proud actions lead to his imminent downfall in battle. Just as the tide turns on the battlefield and the Franks begin losing men left and right, Oliver gives his honest opinion on Roland's decision not to blow up the oliphant. “For the act of a true vassal, in his wisdom, avoids folly; / Prudence is better than great zeal. / Franks died because of yours..