French Literature Reviews - 2026
A. Becker-Ho, The Accursed Share in the Work of François Villon
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
The Accursed Share in the Work of François Villon
96 pp.
14 euros
ISBN: 9782373090468
OVERVIEW
Poet and rogue, François Villon wrote verse that has at times overshadowed his membership in the Compagnons de la Coquille, a gang of criminals active in 15th-century France. From his perilous adventures with them, he drew a series of ballads written in jargon or 'jobelin'—the ancestor of modern slang. Addressed in code to his accomplices, these poems have prompted numerous, often fanciful, attempts at interpretation. This 'exquisite language,' consisting of advice that remains highly relevant to wayward youth, is decrypted here, shedding light on the poet's accursed side.
François Villon remains one of the most compelling figures of late medieval French literature, straddling the worlds of high lyric poetry and the criminal underworld. As a member of the Coquillards, a notorious band of rogue mercenaries and thieves active during the Hundred Years' War, Villon occupied a marginal social position that deeply influenced his writing. By focusing on his jargon ballads, this study situates Villon within a linguistic tradition of coded communication. Becker-Ho's analysis highlights how these texts functioned not merely as poetic exercises, but as practical, protective speech for medieval outlaws.
This volume is highly valuable for students of medieval literature, historical linguistics, and the history of slang. By decoding the obscure vocabulary of medieval jargon, the book helps readers navigate the complex social codes of fifteenth-century France. It addresses fundamental questions about the relationship between social marginality and literary creation. Readers interested in how transgressive lifestyles translate into enduring art will find this book a useful companion to Villon's poetry, offering a clear guide to the rebellious spirit that defined his life and work.