Written between 1040 and 1115, possibly by poet Turold. Based on Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 during Charlemagne's reign. Contains about 4,000 lines in Old French. First surviving major work of French literature
Born between 1483-1494 in Touraine, France. Studied medicine at Poitiers and Montpellier universities. Worked as physician, scholar, diplomat, and Catholic priest. Published first book "Pantagruel" under pseudonym Alcofribas Nasier in 1532
Born in 1639, Racine was orphaned at age four and raised by his grandparents. Received classical education at Port-Royal convent, influenced by Jansenism. Became court historiographer under King Louis XIV, later served as royal secretary. Retired from theater in 1679 due to court scandal and religious beliefs
Born in 1621 at Château-Thierry to wealthy maître des eaux et forêts. Initially studied law but later became a lawyer. Married Marie Héricart in 1647, separated in 1658 due to financial difficulties. Became regular visitor to Paris after 1656
Created by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre in 1911. Appeared in 32 volumes by the two authors, then 11 by Allain alone. Represents transition from Gothic villains to modern serial killers
French has many vowel sounds, creating musicality in poetry. Children learn French poems in school from preschool to high school. French poems can be codified (sonnets) or rebel (Rimbaud, Surrealists). Classic French uses 12-meter alexandrin verse