"Marie de France" was a poet.
Life[]
The actual identity of Marie de France is largely unknown. The name is believed to be a nom de plume used by either a singular poet, a group of poets, or a scribe. Several different historical figures have been proposed to be Marie de France.
Assuming that Marie de France was a singular poet, she was born either in France or in England to a French family. She came from a noble background, as she had some knowledge of Latin and a competent education in regards to writing. She was presumably born in the middle or early years of the twelfth century and composed many of the "earlier" lais around this time.
Many of Marie's works are dated to the later twelfth century and are composed for the court of a "noble king" (possibly King Henry II of England, though possibly also Henry the Young King). Her works were rather popular within her sphere of influence.[1]
Writing style[]
Marie's writing is based on works frequently read within the early Medieval period. These include the works of Ovid and the histories of authors such as Geoffrey de Monmouth.
The main different between her works and those of Chretien de Troyes is the portrayal of society. In Marie de France's lais, the main characters are largely unattached from society and leave it if it does not accept their love. Common themes within Marie's lais include adultery and the trials and tribulations involved in love.[1]
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Notable works[]
- Lais
- Fables
- adaptation of Legend of the Purgatory of St. Patrick
- The Life of Saint Aubrey (disputed)
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Sources[]
- Wikipedia