Podcast Summary: "Marie de France with Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray"
Podcast Information:
- Title: This Guy Sucked
- Host: Dr. Claire Aubin
- Guest: Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray, Professor of Great Texts and Creative Writing at Baylor University
- Episode Title: Marie de France with Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of "This Guy Sucked," host Dr. Claire Aubin deviates from the show's typical focus on critiquing historical figures by introducing a "This Guy Rocked" segment. The objective is to highlight individuals who have been historically undervalued or overlooked. Dr. Aubin welcomes Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray, a renowned historian and founder of the Great Story Lab, to discuss the remarkable contributions of Marie de France.
Who is Marie de France?
Marie de France was a medieval French author active between 1160 and 1215. Writing in Anglo-Norman French while residing in England, Marie is recognized as the first named female author in both French and the British Middle Ages. Despite her significant contributions, Marie remains relatively obscure in mainstream literary canon.
Dr. Claire Aubin (03:34): "She's from the period of the Anglo Norman kings and courts of England... the first named woman author in French and really in the British Middle Ages as well, which is pretty incredible."
Marie’s Contributions to Literature
Marie de France is renowned for her Celtic stories and fables, which are among the earliest vernacular translations of collections like the Indian Panchatantra and Aesop's fables. Her works blend wisdom with whimsical tales, making profound moral and philosophical points.
Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray (06:11): "She's probably best known amongst people who do read her today for the Celtic stories she wrote... she's like a Dante for France or a Chaucer for England."
One of her notable works, "The Purgatory of St. Patrick," narrates the journey of an Irish knight through the afterlife, prefiguring Dante's "Divine Comedy." Marie's ability to infuse deep theological and moral questions into her storytelling positions her as an innovative thinker of her time.
The Problem of Obscurity and Sexism
Despite her achievements, Marie de France's legacy has been undermined due to pervasive sexism. Early 20th-century French philologists, such as Gaston Paris, dismissed her intellect and contributions, labeling her as a "simple-minded" woman who believed in fantastical notions like transformation into birds.
Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray (09:59): "Gaston Paris... he legitimately said she was a woman and she was simple minded and she believed everything she wrote."
This sexism not only diminished Marie's reputation but also contributed to the marginalization of other significant female authors like Anāthapade (likely intended as Anaduanna).
Re-evaluating Marie de France
Recent scholarship has begun to rehabilitate Marie de France's image, recognizing her as a pioneering "thought entrepreneur" and innovator. Dr. Murray emphasizes that Marie should not be viewed merely as a storyteller but as a profound writer who used narratives to explore complex human and theological themes.
Dr. Sarah-Jane Murray (08:56): "She's a disruptor. She's like a thought entrepreneur of her time."
This shift in perspective aligns Marie's work with esteemed authors like Jane Austen and Shakespeare, who, despite facing initial resistance, are now celebrated for their incisive exploration of human nature.
The Enduring Relevance of Marie’s Stories
Marie de France's tales continue to resonate today, providing timeless insights into relationships, morality, and societal norms. Her stories often depict loveless marriages and adultery, challenging the traditional narratives of her time by presenting both the consequences of betrayal and the importance of mutual respect and equality in relationships.
Dr. Claire Aubin (18:22): "She talks about marriage regularly in her Breton lays... marriage as something more than this, that answers to something more than this, and people need to be good partners for one another."
Educators and scholars find Marie's work invaluable for illustrating medieval perspectives on ethics and personal agency, making her stories relevant tools for modern moral education.
Recommendations and Resources
Dr. Murray recommends several translations and resources for those interested in exploring Marie de France's work further:
- Glynn Burgess's Penguin Translation: A reliable rendition of Marie's lays.
- Claire Waters's "Lays of Marie de France": An insightful translation that captures the essence of Marie's storytelling.
- The Great Story Lab: Founded by Dr. Murray, this initiative explores the migration of great ideas from the past to modern platforms.
Additionally, the International Marie de France Society and events like the Middle Ages exhibit at the Pierpont Morgan Museum offer further avenues for engagement and study.
Conclusion: The Importance of Historical Revision
The episode underscores the necessity of revisiting and revising historical narratives to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of marginalized figures like Marie de France. By integrating her work into the broader literary canon, historians and educators can provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the past, challenging enduring myths about medieval women and enriching our understanding of historical literature.
Dr. Claire Aubin (51:43): "Every time you talk about her in class, you are repairing that. Every time we say her name on this podcast, we're repairing it."
Marie de France's enduring legacy serves as a testament to the importance of recognizing and uplifting undervalued voices throughout history.