La Complainte Rutebeuf
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La Complainte Rutebeuf is a late 13th-century poem by the French poet and jongleur, Rutebeuf. This work falls under the literary genre of the "complaint," which traditionally laments unrequited love or personal misfortune.12
In La Complainte Rutebeuf, the author details a series of misfortunes that led to his poverty. Rutebeuf was known for his sharp social commentary and satire, often targeting religious orders and defending the University of Paris. While he also composed official poems and amusing verse stories, his complaints offered a poignant expression of personal hardship and are considered an early example of popular opinion in French literature.1
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