The 17th century was a pivotal period in the development of French literature, particularly in the realm of poetry. This century witnessed the birth of classical French poetry, marked by an emphasis on order, clarity, and the refinement of language. A number of poets from this period helped shape not only French literary traditions but also the broader European literary landscape. Below, we explore 14 famous French poets of the 17th century, their contributions, notable works, and influence on literature.
14 French Poets Of The 17th Century
1. Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux (1636–1711)
Literary Contributions
Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux was a key figure in 17th-century French literature, known for his satirical works and his contributions to the theory of poetry. As a critic and poet, Boileau played a major role in the development of French classical aesthetics, which emphasized balance, rationality, and clarity.
Notable Works
Boileau’s L’Art poétique (1674) is perhaps his most influential work. It served as a guide for poets and laid the foundation for neoclassical poetry in France. His Satires (1666) also stand out as sharp critiques of French society and literary norms.
Influence
Boileau’s advocacy for order and rationality in poetry had a lasting impact on French literature. His works became a model for many poets and critics in the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695)
Literary Contributions
Jean de La Fontaine is best known for his fables, which reflect moral lessons through witty and accessible narratives. His fables became a cornerstone of French literature and remain a beloved part of the literary canon.
Notable Works
La Fontaine’s Fables (1668–1694) are his most famous works, comprising a series of stories that employ animals to teach human morals. These fables have been translated into many languages and are admired for their simplicity, humor, and philosophical depth.
Influence
La Fontaine’s fables influenced not only French literature but also European literary traditions. His storytelling and moral lessons continue to resonate across generations.
3. Pierre Corneille (1606–1684)
Literary Contributions
Pierre Corneille was one of the founding figures of French classical theatre. He is renowned for his tragedies, which explore complex themes of honor, love, and duty.
Notable Works
Corneille’s Le Cid (1637) is one of the most significant tragedies in French literature. It presents the moral dilemmas of its central characters, addressing issues of honor, duty, and love.
Influence
Corneille’s work had a profound influence on the development of French drama, especially in shaping the rules of classical tragedy. His plays set the stage for the works of Racine and Molière.
4. Jean Racine (1639–1699)
Literary Contributions
Jean Racine was a master of French classical tragedy, known for his ability to explore deep psychological conflicts within the structure of ancient myths and histories. His plays are noted for their emotional depth and philosophical insights.
Notable Works
Racine’s most famous tragedy is Phèdre (1677), which explores the destructive power of passion. Other notable works include Andromaque (1667) and Britannicus (1669), which also delve into themes of fate, love, and power.
Influence
Racine’s influence on French theatre is unparalleled. His work set the standard for classical French drama, influencing playwrights and poets in France and beyond.
5. François de Malherbe (1555–1628)
Literary Contributions
François de Malherbe is considered one of the most important figures in the transition from Renaissance poetry to the classical style. His works emphasized clarity, order, and the proper use of language.
Notable Works
Malherbe’s Odes and Elegies (1627) helped to establish the principles of French classical verse. He advocated for the use of the French language with precision and regularity.
Influence
Malherbe’s works were crucial in shaping the standards of classical French poetry. His influence can be seen in the works of poets like Boileau and other 17th-century writers.
6. Charles Perrault (1628–1703)
Literary Contributions
Charles Perrault was a poet and fairy tale writer whose works became famous for their moral lessons and enchanting stories. Although best known for his fairy tales, his poetry also addressed themes of childhood and innocence.
Notable Works
Perrault’s Histoires ou contes du temps passé (1697) are his most famous works, containing classic fairy tales like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. His poems often had a moral or cautionary message.
Influence
Perrault’s fairy tales have had a lasting impact on European folklore, and his poems continue to be celebrated for their moral clarity and charm.
7. Isaac de Benserade (1612–1691)
Literary Contributions
Isaac de Benserade was a poet and courtier known for his witty and playful poetry. His work often focused on the courtly love tradition and the nature of relationships.
Notable Works
Benserade’s Les Amours (1654) and Le Roman de la Rose (1669) are notable for their elegant and refined language, often blending humor with themes of love.
Influence
Benserade’s work greatly influenced the poetic tastes of the French aristocracy and helped shape the courtly poetry tradition in 17th-century France.
8. Antoine Gombaud (1605–1684)
Literary Contributions
Known as the Chevalier de Méré, Antoine Gombaud was a philosopher and poet who wrote about the nature of conversation, manners, and wit. His works combined moral reflection with poetic expression.
Notable Works
His Maximes et Réflexions (1681) are famous for their concise and insightful observations about human nature, society, and personal conduct.
Influence
Gombaud’s contributions to the philosophy of conversation influenced later thinkers and poets who sought to merge intellectual discourse with literary expression.
9. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651–1719)
Literary Contributions
Jean-Baptiste de La Salle was a religious scholar and educator who also contributed to French poetry, focusing on themes of morality and spirituality.
Notable Works
La Salle’s poetry often dealt with the intersection of education and religion, emphasizing the importance of moral virtue.
Influence
His works influenced the development of religious and educational literature in France, and his educational reforms helped shape the future of French pedagogical practices.
10. René Rapin (1621–1687)
Literary Contributions
René Rapin was a French Jesuit priest, poet, and critic. His works focused on the moral and intellectual development of society, with a particular emphasis on the role of the arts in shaping culture.
Notable Works
Rapin’s La Philosophie (1670) combined philosophical thought with poetic expression. His contributions to literary criticism were also important in the development of classical French poetry.
Influence
Rapin’s integration of moral philosophy with poetry influenced the next generation of French poets, especially those working within the Jesuit tradition.
11. François de Fénelon (1651–1715)
Literary Contributions
François de Fénelon was a writer and theologian whose works explored religious and moral themes. His poetry, like his prose, focused on virtue, personal conduct, and divine love.
Notable Works
Fénelon’s Les Aventures de Télémaque (1699) is a famous prose work, but his poetry, dealing with themes of faith and virtue, was also highly regarded.
Influence
Fénelon’s works influenced both religious and literary circles in France, particularly in terms of moral and spiritual reflection.
12. Jean de La Bruyère (1645–1696)
Literary Contributions
Although primarily known for his moral and philosophical writings, Jean de La Bruyère also contributed to 17th-century French poetry. His keen observations of human nature were reflected in his poetic works as well.
Notable Works
Les Caractères (1688) is his most famous work, offering a satirical look at French society. His poetry, though less well-known, followed similar themes of social observation.
Influence
La Bruyère’s sharp commentary on society had a lasting impact on French literature, particularly in the genre of moral and satirical writing.
13. Philippe de Vigny (1589–1670)
Literary Contributions
Philippe de Vigny was a poet and nobleman who contributed to both courtly poetry and philosophical reflections in his writings. His work reflects the intellectual trends of the 17th century, including a growing interest in reason and clarity.
Notable Works
De Vigny’s Odes (1639) are examples of his philosophical approach to poetry, blending personal reflection with larger societal themes.
Influence
De Vigny’s work served as a model for later poets who sought to balance intellectual reflection with poetic beauty.
14. Madeleine de Scudéry (1607–1701)
Literary Contributions
Madeleine de Scudéry was a novelist and poet known for her works that focused on themes of love, honor, and virtue. Her poetry often centered on the lives and emotions of women in a male-dominated society.
Notable Works
Her Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus (1649–1653) is one of the longest novels in the French language, and her poetry focused on the ideals of chivalric love.
Influence
Scudéry’s works influenced the development of French romantic literature, with her focus on virtue and the emotional lives of women playing a key role in shaping later literary traditions.
Conclusion
These 14 poets, along with others from the 17th century, shaped French poetry in profound ways. Their exploration of themes ranging from love and honor to society and morality, and their mastery of poetic forms, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire poets and writers today.
