Introduction
Marie de France’s elaborate descriptions of Lanval’s lover in her medieval poem serve a multifaceted purpose. They function not only as a depiction of physical beauty but also as a symbolic representation of virtue, social status, and aspiration, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the female character and societal expectations and ideals of the time. Marie de France’s exaggerated depictions of Lanval’s lover in her medieval poem not only highlight the female character’s physical beauty but also serve as a symbolic representation of virtue, social standing, and ambition, which deepens our comprehension of the character and the expectations of the time.
Purposes of Marie de France’s Descriptions of Lanval’s Lover
Exaggeration for Social Status Demonstration
In her lai “Lanval,” the poet Marie de France employs hyperbolic linguistic devices such as metaphors and similes to describe the beauty of Lanval’s love interest. These descriptions are far from mere ornamental elements of the text (Marie). Instead, they serve a much more significant role, providing insights into the socio-cultural context of the medieval period and enhancing our understanding of the female character.
The descriptions of Lanval’s lover, who is depicted as having a neck “whiter than snow on a branch” and hair surpassing the shine of “golden wire in the light” (ll. 564, 569-70), go beyond merely accentuating her physical beauty. These hyperbolic descriptions also symbolize the virtue and purity attributed to women during the medieval period. The reference to her neck being whiter than snow is a metaphor for her chastity and innocence, which women highly valued at the time.
Furthermore, the comparison of her hair to golden wire highlights her social status. Gold, a precious metal, is often associated with wealth and nobility. Thus, by comparing her hair to the golden wire, de France subtly indicates the lady’s high social standing. This not only enhances the lady’s allure but also reflects the societal hierarchy and the importance of noble lineage during the medieval era.
In the lai of “Lanval,” Lanval’s lover is depicted with such magnificence and allure that she is an ideal embodiment of the perfect woman, according to the standards of the time. This portrayal is not simply for aesthetic or romantic purposes alone. It is a tool used to depict the woman as a figure of aspiration, embodying what the knight strives to attain. This figure of aspiration is a common trope in courtly love stories of the Middle Ages.
The lady is often of higher social status than the knight, making her a physical and social aspiration for him. She embodies courtly love’s ideals – beauty, virtue, and nobility. These qualities make her a worthy object of the knight’s desire, respect, and service.
In “Lanval,” the lover’s beauty is described in exaggerated, almost fantastical terms. This hyperbolic representation further elevates her status, making her seem almost unattainable. This inaccessibility enhances her role as a figure of aspiration, as it positions her as a goal or prize that requires significant effort and virtue.
Therefore, the descriptions of Lanval’s lover’s beauty do more than paint a picture of an attractive woman. They depict her as the personification of the knight’s aspirations, representing the social prestige, respect, and romantic fulfillment he hopes to achieve. In the narrative context, these descriptions give depth to Lanval’s feelings and motivations, while in the broader cultural context, they reflect the ideals and social dynamics of the Middle Ages.
Satire for Beauty Standard Critique
However, it is essential to note that de France’s descriptions should not be taken at face value. Instead, they are exaggerated and serve a satirical purpose. The exaggeration criticizes the unrealistic standards and ideals of beauty and virtue imposed on women during her time. These standards were often unattainable and placed immense pressure on women to conform. By exaggerating these ideals, de France highlights the absurdity and impossibility of meeting these expectations.
This satirical approach can be compared to Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, in which he mocks the hyperbolic comparisons commonly used in Renaissance love poetry. Rather than praising his mistress using extravagant and unrealistic metaphors, Shakespeare’s speaker describes her in a more realistic and down-to-earth. This subversion of traditional love poetry critiques the unrealistic expectations placed on women’s beauty.
Similarly, de France’s exaggerated descriptions in “Lanval” bring attention to the societal pressures women face to conform to these unattainable ideals. By satirizing these standards, de France challenges the notion that women should be judged solely on their physical appearance and calls for a more realistic and nuanced understanding of female beauty and virtue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the elaborate and exaggerated descriptions of Lanval’s lover in Marie de France’s poem serve a multifaceted purpose. They paint a picture of her physical attractiveness and represent virtue, social status, and aspiration. Furthermore, they shed light on the societal expectations of the time, providing a deeper understanding of the role and perception of women in the medieval period. Therefore, we must care about and critically analyze these descriptions, as they offer valuable insights into the socio-cultural context of the period.
Work Cited
Marie. Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret. Litres, 2021.