How did rising literacy change French writing during the 13th century?

During the 13th century, rising literacy in France significantly transformed the landscape of French literature. As literacy spread beyond monastic and clerical circles to include the bourgeoisie of developing towns, the medium and nature of writing evolved:

• Shift to Prose: While literature before 1200 was almost exclusively composed as verse for oral performance by jongleurs, the 13th century saw prose gain favor alongside traditional verse.1
• New Patronage and Genres: The growth of a literate urban middle class provided a new source of patronage for writers, leading to the emergence of new literary genres.1
• Changing Tone: Much of the literature from this period began to reflect an irreverent spirit and a cynical realism, contrasting with the earlier, more formulaic oral traditions of the epic.1
• Academic Influence: The rise of universities and academic learning during the 12th and 13th centuries created a new class of professional laymen—including lawyers and notaries—whose rational and legalist outlook became deeply rooted in French culture.2

These developments marked a transition away from purely oral, performance-based literature toward a more diverse and reflective written culture.1