Complainte contre fortune

poem by Ronsard

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June 24, 2026

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"Complainte contre fortune" is a poem by Pierre de Ronsard, a prominent French Renaissance poet and a leading figure of the literary group known as La Pléiade. The poem, published in 1559, falls under the literary category of a "complaint," which is a type of poem that expresses lament or protest, often concerning unrequited love, personal misfortune, or injustice.1

In "Complainte contre fortune," Ronsard reflects on his childhood and the discovery of his poetic calling. The poem also includes a notable critique of the colonization of the New World. Ronsard's work aimed to elevate French poetry to the level of classical antiquity, and this poem showcases his skill in lyrical expression and imagery.21

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Pierre de Ronsard
…other poems, such as his “Complainte contre fortune,” published in the second book of the Meslanges (1559), which contains a haunting description of his solitary wanderings as a child in the woods and the discovery of his poetic vocation. This poem is also notable for a celebrated denunciation of the…
Read More
…other poems, such as his “Complainte contre fortune,” published in the second book of the Meslanges (1559), which contains a haunting description of his solitary wanderings as a child in the woods and the discovery of his poetic vocation. This poem is also notable for a celebrated denunciation of the…
Read More