• Research Paper on:
    Self Discovery and French Literature's Evolution

    Number of Pages: 7

     

    Summary of the research paper:

    In seven pages this paper examines French literary history in a consideration of how self discovery thematically evolved. Ten sources are cited in the bibliography.

    Name of Research Paper File: D0_MBfrnchlit.rtf

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    Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
    of the worlds great civilizations did. What is most interesting about French literature, however, is that from decade to decade, even century to century, there seems to be a series  of stages which project a theme of self discovery and awareness in regard to reality. STAGE ONE Starting at the very beginning, most of the books were not written  in French, but in Latin, the language of the Holy Church. Because of the French Crusades and Frances pervasive influence throughout Europe during the twelfth centuries, the French language became  an international tongue. Noblemen were being educated and it became possible to produce works, both popular and sacred in the native tongue. At first most of the works were done  as epic poems and were recited popularly by wandering minstrels and traveling bands of actors and performers. From this the tradition of heroes and saints as protagonists came into being.  One of the more classically known are those works about the Arthurian legends written by Chretien de Troyes. During this stage, it would seem that France was defining herself,  as were the people, in regard to their military conquests and vast holdings of lands. The various military campaigns and the constant watch for invaders seems to have shaped a  good deal of the literature at the time. Lyric poetry more than likely arose from the songs of the minstrels and the singers which accompanied them. Other forms which  were developed at this time included dramas, morality plays and fables, comedies and tragedies, as well as the early beginnings of prose writing. During this time in history, one  has to recall that a great organization of Europe had taken place. Ways were being standardized and civilizations were becoming more centralized to larger cities instead of the vastly remote 

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