Jean de La Fontaine: The Fable Master of France
Jean de La Fontaine, renowned as one of France’s greatest poets, is celebrated for his timeless fables that continue to enchant readers across generations. Born on July 8, 1621, in Château-Thierry, a small town in Champagne, La Fontaine’s literary legacy is deeply rooted in his ability to craft captivating narratives with profound moral lessons. His life was a tapestry of creativity, marked by personal struggles and triumphs, ultimately solidifying his place in literary history.
Early Life and Education
La Fontaine was born into a bourgeois family to Charles de La Fontaine, a Maître des Eaux et Forêts (master of waters and forests), and Françoise Pidoux. He received his early education at the Collège des Bons Enfants in Château-Thierry, where he showed promise in literature and languages. His passion for storytelling and poetry blossomed during these formative years.
In 1641, La Fontaine moved to Paris to study law at the Collège de Lisieux. However, his heart remained devoted to literature, and he spent more time indulging in his creative pursuits than focusing on legal studies. Paris, the vibrant hub of intellectual and artistic activity, provided fertile ground for La Fontaine’s literary ambitions.
