Alain *serious spoilers*

[obscurejude]

Along with what Monte said, Roland (in the poem) rejects the macabre landscape leading to the tower bc of its grotesqueness. This rejection of the outer, leads Roland to introspection and he remembers a betrayal by one of his fellow knights. It doesn't go into detail, but the experience is so jarring that it forces Roland to open his eyes and continue his quest- he can't bare the thought of his memories concerning the event. I definitely think this was in King's mind, but when it is finally recalled it was extremely anticlimactic for me.

[MonteGss]

Wow, thanks for that info jude. I've only really read Browning's poem once or twice and I must admit, it is a bit difficult for me to follow. I don't remember anything like that in the poem. I will have to look again! Thanks!

[obscurejude]

No problem Monte.

[Letti]

I've only really read Browning's poem once or twice and I must admit, it is a bit difficult for me to follow.

Once soneone or we should analyse that poem because I think it's important but it's hard for me to follow it.

[Darkthoughts]

Renamed the thread to open it up for general discussion of Alain

[flaggwalkstheline]

In the comics roland might still be possessed by the grapefruit during jericho hill, although I'm not sure if thats the case since it hasnt come to that point in the story yet...