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Marie de France: A Medieval Poet and Storyteller


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Marie de France is a medieval poet and storyteller whose real name remains unknown. She is commonly referred to as "Marie" in English, which is the French equivalent of her given name.

Birth and Death Dates


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The exact birth and death dates of Marie de France are not known. However, it is believed that she was active during the 12th century, specifically between 1160 and 1215.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Marie de France was a French poet and storyteller who wrote primarily in Old French. Her works encompass various genres, including fabliaux, lais, and fables.

Early Life and Background


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Little is known about Marie de France's early life. It is speculated that she may have been born into the nobility or aristocracy of medieval England, as some scholars suggest that her writing style and knowledge of courtly life indicate a high social status. Others propose that she may have been educated at one of the prominent convents in England.

Major Accomplishments


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Marie de France is renowned for her poetic works, which showcase her mastery of various narrative styles. Her poetry often explores themes related to love, morality, and the human condition. Some of her most notable works include:

Lais: A collection of 13 poems that explore themes of courtly love and chivalry.
Fables: A series of short stories based on Aesop's Fables, which were later translated into Latin by a monk named Guillaume de Lorris.

Notable Works or Actions


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Marie de France's most famous work is her collection of lais, which are narrative poems that combine elements of romance and fabliau. Her poetry often employs symbolism and metaphor to convey complex ideas about love, power, and morality. Some notable examples from her works include:

Guigemar: A poem about a knight who falls in love with an enigmatic woman.
Lanval: A tale of a nobleman's secret love for a supernatural being.

Impact and Legacy


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Marie de France's poetry has had a lasting impact on Western literature. Her use of symbolism, metaphor, and complex narrative structures influenced later writers such as Chaucer and Boccaccio. As a female writer in a male-dominated literary tradition, Marie de France paved the way for future generations of women poets.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Marie de France is widely quoted and remembered due to her innovative storytelling style and exploration of complex themes related to love, morality, and human nature. Her poetry remains a testament to her skill as a writer and continues to be studied by scholars around the world.

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Quotes by Marie de France

By men’s words we know them.
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By men’s words we know them.
For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word.
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For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word.
The rich are never threatened by the poor – they do not notice them.
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The rich are never threatened by the poor – they do not notice them.
A bully is not reasonable – he is persuaded only by threats.
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A bully is not reasonable – he is persuaded only by threats.
Anyone who has received from God the gift of knowledge and true eloquence has a duty not to remain silent.
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Anyone who has received from God the gift of knowledge and true eloquence has a duty not to remain silent.
In times gone by there lived a Count of Ponthieu, who loved chivalry and the pleasures of the world beyond measure, and moreover was a stout knight and a gallant gentleman.
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In times gone by there lived a Count of Ponthieu, who loved chivalry and the pleasures of the world beyond measure, and moreover was a stout knight and a gallant gentleman.
Being too consumed in fear all the time will result in poor quality of life.
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Being too consumed in fear all the time will result in poor quality of life.
You have to endure what you can’t change.
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You have to endure what you can’t change.
Man created God in his image: intolerant, sexist, homophobic and violent.
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Man created God in his image: intolerant, sexist, homophobic and violent.
Whoever wants to tell a variety of stories ought to have a variety of beginnings.
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Whoever wants to tell a variety of stories ought to have a variety of beginnings.
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