Composer

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Guillaume de Machaut

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Le Jugement du Roi de Navarre is a 14th-century French poem composed by Guillaume de Machaut. The poem was written in octosyllabic verse and is considered one of Machaut's most significant works. It was composed in the early 1350s and was first performed in 1356. The poem is divided into three movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement describes the arrival of the King of Navarre at the court of King Charles V of France. The King of Navarre is accused of having murdered his own wife, and he requests a trial by combat to prove his innocence. The second movement describes the trial by combat, which takes place in a field outside of Paris. The King of Navarre is represented by a knight named Jean de Carrouges, while his accuser is represented by a squire named Jacques Le Gris. The two men fight a brutal battle, which ends with Jean de Carrouges emerging victorious. The third movement describes the aftermath of the trial. The King of Navarre is declared innocent, and Jacques Le Gris is sentenced to death. However, the poem ends on a somber note, as Machaut reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death. Le Jugement du Roi de Navarre is notable for its complex structure and sophisticated use of language. Machaut employs a variety of poetic techniques, including alliteration, rhyme, and repetition, to create a rich and evocative narrative. The poem also reflects Machaut's interest in courtly love and chivalry, as well as his fascination with the themes of justice and morality. Overall, Le Jugement du Roi de Navarre is a masterful work of medieval poetry that continues to captivate readers and scholars to this day.

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