Troubadour Poetry in Feudal Society
Feudal Society (11th-13th Centuries)
Feudal society was characterized by two main classes:
- The Ruling Class: Noble lords and ladies who lived in castles and palaces, managing their vast estates.
- The Working Class: Serfs and servants who lived in humble dwellings and worked the land, providing agricultural and animal services to their lords.
Feudal lords commanded armies of loyal vassals, bound by oaths of loyalty and dependence in a hierarchical system.
Oath of Allegiance
The hierarchical relationships between nobles were formalized through a ritual of homage and oath of allegiance. The vassal would publicly declare his loyalty to his lord.
Courtly Culture
From the 11th century, feudal courts in Western Europe developed a distinct culture centered around chivalric and heroic virtues. The ideal courtly knight was expected to be:
- Courageous
- Generous
- Gentle
- Loyal
- Intelligent
He was also expected to be devoted to a lady.
Troubadour Poetry
Troubadour poetry reflected the aristocratic life and values of the nobility in feudal courts. The lady held a central position, with knights paying tribute to her. These ladies were often educated, wealthy, and powerful.
Songs of Courtly Love (12th-13th Centuries)
In the feudal courts of Southern France, Catalonia, and Northern Italy, composing and singing love songs became fashionable. The troubadour wrote the lyrics and music, while the minstrel performed them publicly.
Characteristics of Courtly Love Songs:
- The poet praises the lady’s beauty and courtesy.
- He expresses his deep love and requests her acceptance as a vassal.
- He seeks a simple gesture of favor as a reward.
The lady was typically married, and the troubadour often used a signal, a name or expression, to conceal her true identity.
Guillem de Cabestany
Guillem de Cabestany was a renowned troubadour known for his ability to express the sentiments of courtly love.
A New Approach to Love
Courtly love poetry introduced a new perspective on romantic relationships in literature. In contrast to earlier depictions where men often abducted women as possessions, troubadour literature portrayed men expressing their love with tenderness and pleading for a friendly gesture from the woman.
The Legend of the Broken Heart
Courtly love poetry was often a form of gallant game. However, jealousy could arise, leading to cruel acts, as depicted in the legend of Guillem de Cabestany.
Poetry as a Political Weapon
Troubadour poetry could also serve as a tool for political and social struggle. Nobles used poems (sirventesos) to denounce their enemies, accusing them of crimes like rape and treason.
Guillem de Berguedà
Guillem de Berguedà, a prominent 12th-century troubadour, was known for his aggressive nature and conflicts with the King, Bishop, and other nobles. He wrote numerous poems attacking his enemies. However, he also composed a beautiful lament (planh) for Ponç de Mataplana, who died fighting the Saracens.
Troubadour Poetry in Catalan-Speaking Territories
The prestige of troubadour poetry led Catalan poets to compose in the style of Provençal troubadours and even adopt their language, Occitan.
Reasons for Occitan’s Influence:
- Geographical Proximity: Southern France and Catalonia are neighboring regions.
- Linguistic Affinities: Occitan and Catalan are closely related Romance languages, making Occitan poetry accessible to Catalan audiences.
- Strong Economic and Political Ties: Close relationships existed between Catalan and Occitan lands from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
Catalan poetry initially followed the Occitan troubadour tradition. This continued until the 15th century when Ausiàs March began writing in the Catalan language, marking a shift away from Provençal influence.
Key Takeaways:
- Troubadour poetry originated in the feudal courts of Southern France and spread to Catalonia and Northern Italy.
- The poetic language of the troubadours was Occitan (Provençal).
- Popular genres included the canso (love song), the sirventes (political or ethical commentary), and the planh (lament).
- Courtly love reflected the feudal social structure: the poet (vassal) appealed to the lady (lord) for a gesture of love.