The First Feminist: Medieval Poet Christine De Pisan

Christine de Pisan was born circa 1364 in Venice, Italy, but was raised in France as a child. At the age of fifteen, she married, but her husband tragically died less than a decade later. During the 1390s, she spent her time repossessing her husband's property, after her sons left her to follow their professions in Italy; she lacked social and financial support. It was not until the mid-1390s that Pisan began to write lyric poetry for local dukes and other powerful patrons who would reward her with money, jewelry, or other gifts of gratitude. From 1400-1418, her most notable works were completed and the only poem that gained great recognition after that period was one she dedicated to Joan of Arc, "Ditié de Jehanne d'Arc" in 1429. ("Other Woman's Voices: Christine de Pisan")

"Ditié de Jehanne d'Arc" is arguably Pisan's most famous work, considering the fact that it was dedicated to a historical figure as notable as Joan of Arc. It was originally written in French and later translated to English; consequently, some of the poetic devises are lacking in the English version. Its rhyme scheme of ABAB is apparent in the French, but vanished in the English translation. The imagery is strikingly beautiful, with the words "I begin to laugh heartily for joy at the departure of the wintry season/ during which I was wont to live confined to a dreary cage" (Stanza two) describing her admiration for Joan of Arc's accomplishments.

Another popularized poem written by Pisan is "Dueil Angoisseux", a piece that described the pain she experienced following her husband's death. It is a lyric poem, consisting of rhyme, repetition, refrain, and rhythm. Her diction emphasizes the suffering instigated by the loss of a loved one, which is her primary theme throughout the poem. Her poem was praised greatly by critics, especially since fidelity to one's husband was a stressed virtue during the Middle Ages.