First, I will talk about the life of the 15th century French poet François Villon, and talk a bit about his poems and then read two poems : “Ballade des Pendus”, aka “Epitaphe” and “Ballade des Dames du Temps Jadis”. I will read them first in modern French, and then I’ll do my best to read them in old French…
Discover the 16th Century French poem – “Je vis, je meurs” by Louise Labé – Woman Poet and my English translation of the poem.
“Les Vous et Les Tu” 18th century French poem is particularly interesting for students of French since Voltaire plays on the difference between Tu and Vous: he says “tu” to the unpretentious woman he loved, and “vous” to the one she became.
I’m going to read 2 French poems by Mallarmé. The beginning of L’Après-midi d’un Faune is one of my favorite poems to read out loud.
In this classical yet sensual and very musical poem, Valéry describes two people: the “I” who represents the poet and a feminine entity who is approaching.
Ghost? Fairy? Or would it be the poet’s muse?
French transcript of the 20th Century French Love Poem “Le Pont Mirabeau” by Guillaume Apollinaire. Learn French with classic French poetry.
Listen to my recording of the Lyrical 19th century French poem “Le Lac”. and learn about French poet Larmartine’s life.
This little known Victor Hugo’s poem is very charming, short and easy to understand.
Created in the 16th century, this classic French poem is written in Middle French; it is not modern, but easily understandable. Once the construction and vocabulary has been explained, it is an easy poem, even for a French beginner.
Learn the short famous French poem “Demain dès l’aube” by Victor Hugo + English translation. Learn French with classic French poetry.
Enunciated and natural readings of “Poème Sur Une Morte” d’Alfred de Musset. Clear French audio recordings + English translation
Gerard de Nerval’s classical French poem “El Desdichado”: French transcript with English translation. Audio recording & analysis in my French poetry audiobook.
Today I’m going to talk to you about the French poem “Le Corbeau et le Renard” – “The Raven and The Fox” by Jean de La Fontaine. I will speak slowly, clearly and use everyday vocabulary to read, explain, and then discuss the poem.