Marie de France: Medieval Romance

Marie de France is most commonly know for her Medieval romance writings. However, she adds more or a realistic twist to her writings. Recently, I was assigned to read "Equitan", a story written by Marie in which courtly adultery develops into disaster. I was also able to read Marie's Prologue to the twelve lais. I found both works very interesting. In typical Medieval romance stories, we commonl see the same trend. Some of the characteristics of medieval writing usually praises chivalry, with an emphasis on the knights love for his lady. Like I said, Marie definitly includes courtly love, but she does so in a more realistic way. Her prologue I also found interesting. Marie emphasizes that "anyone who has recieved from God the gift of knowledge and true eloquence has a duty to use those gifts for storytelling". It was extremely difficult for women writers to be accepted during this century. They were not taking seriously due to their lack of resources and education. But, what Marie is saying here is that your gender should not keep you from doing something that you are good at. Marie, being one of the more talented female writers during this time was clearly granted a gift from God, and she is using her gift with confidence.