How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #10
"I don't feel like talking.
You did not deign to sound your oliphant
So you see no sign of Charles.
He knows nothing about it, the worthy man is not at fault,
Those who are with him over there are not to be blamed.
Now ride with all your might!" (92.1170-75)
Oliver is annoyed and knows that Roland has brought them all to ruin through his stubbornness. But he also knows his duty to Roland, the commander of the rearguard and his dearest friend. Even though he disagrees profoundly, he decides to bury his own doubts in service to Roland.
Quote #11
"That would be dishonorable
And a reproach to all your relatives,
The shame of it would last the rest of their lives!
When I told you to, you did nothing at all,
Don't expect my consent to do it now.
If you sound the horn, it will not be a brave act." (129.1705-11)
Who's talking honor now, eh? Always pragmatic, Oliver takes a firm stand against the oliphant once he knows the battle is lost. Roland's definition of dishonor is refusing to do your duty, no matter the circumstances. From this quote we could say that Oliver's definition of dishonor is asking for help when nothing can be helped.
Quote #12
"I have never seen worthier knights than you,
You have served me constantly and for so long!
You have conquered such great nations for Charles! […]
French knights, I see you dying for my sake:
I cannot protect or save you." (140.1857-59, 1863-64)
This speech sounds suspiciously like an apology. Could Roland be admitting he was wrong? He is certainly deeply moved by his knights giving their all in his service. But what pains him most is knowing that he cannot return their service. They have performed their feudal duty to him (i.e., they have fought for him), but he cannot protect them in return. Is Roland merely mourning the circumstances or has he finally realized that his own bad decision determined those circumstances?