Marie De France, like Dante, has a distinctive literary form. ... For example, note that Francesca is the only female in hell who has a speaking part. ... Dante uses symbolism, characters and literary illustration, to impart his central message that the ultimate form of betrayal which stems from "love" (or, to the author, misguided romantic notion) is adultery. ... Marie terms adultery as being "foolishness, wickedness and debauchery," to take lovers wherever one goes, then boast of the sexual deeds. ...

• Word Count: 2427
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School