The Romance of the Rose

"The Romance of the Rose" is a medieval French poem, written primarily by Guillaume de Lorris and later expanded by Jean de Meun in the 13th century. It uses an allegorical narrative to explore themes of love, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The poem is structured as a dream vision, where the narrator seeks to obtain a rose, symbolizing love. Throughout the journey, various characters represent different aspects of love, morality, and human experience. This work significantly influenced later European literature and reflects societal attitudes towards love and courtship in the Middle Ages.