La Vie En France Au Moyen Âge D'après Quelques Moralistes Du Temps
1927
La Vie En France Au Moyen Âge D'après Quelques Moralistes Du Temps
1927
A historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the moralists of the medieval period in France, particularly focusing on literature written in the vernacular from the 12th to the 14th centuries. It aims to shed light on the societal, moral, and intellectual conditions of the time through the lens of these moralistic writings, arguing against the notion that they are dull or unworthy of study. At the start of the text, the author discusses the motivation behind this new work, which complements his prior publication on French society as depicted in adventure novels. He addresses the importance of utilizing literary sources in historical analysis, arguing that they provide critical insights into the lives and thoughts of people from the past. The opening also highlights the distinction between original moralistic works and those that merely reiterate existing ideas, setting the stage for an analysis of selected texts and their authors that will follow in the book. Langlois indicates that he will present the perspectives of various moralists, illustrating the range of thought and style present in medieval French literature.
About La Vie En France Au Moyen Âge D'après Quelques Moralistes Du Temps
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction
- Langlois explains his methodology of presenting medieval texts directly rather than through modern interpretation, and discusses the neglected state of medieval moral literature despite its historical value.
- 1
- Analysis of Étienne de Fougères' systematic critique of social classes, from kings to peasants, emphasizing the corruption and failure of each estate to fulfill its proper role.
- 2
- Examination of Guiot de Provins' satirical work criticizing religious orders and secular authorities, written by a former jongleur turned reluctant monk.
Key Themes
- Corruption of the Clergy
- A dominant theme across all works, criticizing simony, nepotism, and moral laxity among priests, bishops, and religious orders. The moralists consistently attack clerical greed and hypocrisy.
- Social Hierarchy and Class Criticism
- Systematic examination of all social classes from kings to peasants, revealing the failures of each estate to fulfill its proper function in medieval society's tripartite structure.
- Decline from a Golden Past
- Nostalgic idealization of earlier times when nobles were generous, clergy was pure, and social order functioned properly, contrasted with contemporary decadence.
Characters
- Charles Victor Langlois(protagonist)
- The author and scholar who compiled this study of medieval French moralists. A historian seeking to bridge the gap between philology and history.
- Étienne de Fougères(major)
- Bishop of Rennes and chaplain to Henry II of England. Author of 'Le Livre des Manières', a moral treatise criticizing various social classes.
- Guiot de Provins(major)
- Former jongleur turned Benedictine monk. Author of 'La Bible Guiot', a satirical critique of religious orders and society.
- Guillaume le Clerc(major)
- Norman cleric and author of 'Le Besant de Dieu'. Married clerk who wrote moral treatises and lived partly in England.
- Le Reclus de Molliens(major)
- Hermit monk who wrote 'Carité' and 'Miserere', extremely popular moral poems. Known for his literary skill and passionate criticism.
- Robert de Blois(major)
- Courtly writer who composed conduct manuals including 'L'Enseignement des Princes' and 'Le Chastoiement des Dames'.
