Epic Poem, Raoul of Cambrai

A detailed Summary of Epic Poem, Raoul of Cambrai

With every relationship comes struggle, especially when relationships over lap. Overlapping relationships cause a man to choose or be chosen based upon pride or loyalty. In the epic Poem, Raoul of Cambrai, translated by Jessie Crosland, Raoul of Cambrai and Bernier struggle in their relationship as a lord and a vassal, but also as friends or even brothers.

In the twelfth century the relationship between a lord and his vassal was characterized by a low ranking person (vassal) pledging loyalty to a high ranking person (lord). The vassal, in turn received a fief (is in the time feudal law, an estate in land granted by a lord to his vassal on condition of homage and service) and protection from his chosen lord. This traditional contract allowed both the lord and the vassal to benefit from the other. It was an exchange of services. In the epic poem, Raoul of Cambrai, translated by Jessie Crosland this relationship between a lord and a vassal begins with loyalty, but ends with foolish pride. The stubbornness that exists between the characters Raoul and Bernier shatters the delicate balance of the relationship. Both characters are effectively blinded by their own problems, and neither can see how t

heir selfish, stubborn attitude is destroying the bond, nor can each see his friend's dilemma.

In the age of chivalry, where a man chooses to place his loyalty is detrimental to how he lives his life. Bernier's loyalty is tested by Raoul in many different ways and then ends by Bernier killing him. Raoul and Bernier each think that one fails the other. Raoul says to his mother about Bernier, "Lady, he has behaved like a presumptuous traitor: he brought me to task in the king's presence when I swore by St. Richier not to listen to a word that was raised against me; he told me that he would say no more until the day of battles and that if need be he would stand by his uncles" (54).

In the age of chivalry there is a hierarchy that is never ending. A king has barons who have nobles who have knight who have vassals etc...this "chain of command" is perpetual. In Raoul of Cambrai the relationship most compared is that of a lord to his vassal. As a king is no one without the people he rules over on a smaller scale a lord is of no importance unless he has vassal that pay homage to him. A person in authority is not in authority unless he or she has power. The power in this story comes from the land that is given and the loyalty that comes along with it.

Raoul feels that Bernier technically owes his family his love and loyalty because Bernier is a bastard child who is raised by Lady Alice, Raoul's mother, and knighted by Raoul's father (viii). Even though Bernier is Raoul's most trustworthy friend Raoul still treats Bernier as if his friendship and years of loyalty mean absolutely nothing. He constantly puts Bernier down by calling him a bastard child and he calls Bernier's mother a whore or a prostitute (65). He pushes Bernier to his limits as a vassal and a friend, far enough to make Bernier eventually swear off his allegiance.

The relationship between a lord

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Approximate Word count = 1274
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English