Le roman de la rose - Tome I

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

16816

Title

Le roman de la rose - Tome I

Language

fr

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1878 edition presents the allegorical masterpiece *Le Roman de la Rose*, originally by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. Featuring a new verse translation by Pierre Marteau, the text explores the complexities of courtly love through a dreamer's quest to win a rose. Rich with medieval philosophy, satire, and encyclopedic knowledge, it offers a timeless look at human nature, social hierarchy, and the evolution of French literature.

Summary up to 500 words

Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun's *Le Roman de la Rose* is a monumental medieval allegorical poem that blends romance, satire, and moral instruction. The narrative begins with the Lover (Amant) dreaming of entering a garden, a realm of allegory where he encounters figures such as Hate, who warns of impending dangers, and Idleness (Oiseuse), who opens the gate. Inside, the Lover meets personifications like Courtesy, Riches, and Jealousy, all leading toward the central quest: winning the Rose. This beloved object is guarded by the fortress of Danger, defended by an Old Woman, Fear, and Shame. The Lover seeks counsel from two primary advisors: Ami (Friend) and Raison (Reason). Ami advocates for patience, flattery, and bribery, suggesting that wealth and gifts can sway the guards. Conversely, Raison urges caution, loyalty to God, and a rejection of the corrupting influence of greed. The text includes extensive philosophical digressions on the nature of love, the fall of society from a golden age of equality, and sharp critiques of marriage and women. Ami's advice leads the Lover to attempt bribing the guards, sparking discussions on corruption and the evils of avarice. He learns that the path to the Rose is fraught with obstacles, including the malicious Malebouche (Bad Tongue) and the jealous Jalousie. The Lover eventually succeeds in winning the Rose, only to be driven away by Danger, illustrating the transient and perilous nature of desire. Jean de Meun, who completed the work, expanded the poem with his own voice, adding scientific treatises and harsher social commentary. He critiques the institution of marriage, citing the infidelity of women and the hypocrisy of society, contrasting the current age with a mythical past where humans lived without property or jealousy. Ultimately, the work stands as a complex reflection of medieval intellectual and social values, exploring the tension between spiritual ideals and earthly passions.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16816.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg16816.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-14 19:30 UTC

Categories

• Romance
• Poetry