François Villon: A Life of Poetry and Rebellion

François Villon was a French poet who lived in the 15th century. He is best known for his collection of poems, The Testament, which includes the famous poem, "The Ballad of the Hanged Men." Villon's poetry is often characterized by its realism, its humor, and its dark themes. He was a master of language, and his work has been praised by critics for its wit and its insights into the human condition.

Early Life

François Villon was born in Paris in 1431. His father was a notary, and his mother was a midwife. Villon's early life was marked by tragedy. His father died when he was young, and his mother died when he was 14. Villon was then raised by his uncle, a priest. Villon's uncle was a strict disciplinarian, and he often beat Villon. As a result, Villon ran away from home at the age of 16.

Francois Villon

by Sherry MacDonald

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2754 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	63 pages
Item Weight	:	5.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.16 x 9 inches

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Life in Paris

Villon spent the next several years living in Paris. He became a member of a gang of thieves and criminals, and he was often involved in fights and brawls. In 1455, Villon was arrested for his involvement in a murder. He was sentenced to death, but he was later pardoned by the king. After his release from prison, Villon continued to live in Paris. He became a successful poet, and he was patronized by several wealthy nobles. However, Villon's life was still marked by violence and crime. In 1463, he was arrested for another murder. This time, he was not so lucky. He was sentenced to death and hanged on January 5, 1463.

Poetry

Villon's poetry is often characterized by its realism, its humor, and its dark themes. He was a master of language, and his work has been praised by critics for its wit and its insights into the human condition. Villon's most famous poem is "The Ballad of the Hanged Men." This poem is a meditation on death and the afterlife. The poem is written in a simple, yet powerful style, and it has been translated into many languages. Other notable poems by Villon include "The Testament," "The Belle Heaulmière," and "The Lay of the Old Hare." Villon's poetry has had a profound influence on French literature, and he is considered one of the greatest poets of the Middle Ages.

Legacy

François Villon was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a gifted poet and a violent criminal. He was a man of great wit and intelligence, but he was also a man of great despair. Villon's poetry reflects the contradictions of his own life. It is a poetry of beauty and darkness, of love and hate, of life and death. Villon's poetry has stood the test of time, and it continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Further Reading

• François Villon at Poets.org
• François Villon at the Poetry Foundation
• François Villon at Encyclopedia Britannica

Francois Villon

by Sherry MacDonald

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2754 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	63 pages
Item Weight	:	5.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.16 x 9 inches

FREE