The first thing you must be aware of in gaining an appreciation of French literature is the literature is comprised of works in (the) medieval French dialect(s) as well as contemporary French.
Also, keep in mind that writings in Breton and overseas are considered separate.
Up to the 1300s, most writings were (composed) in Latin.
Old French came about from the Latin spoken in the south (of France).
Old French, during this period of time, became an international language. This was due to the French's military interests across the ocean and the French Crusades (1050-1210).
Due to the preceding fact(s), French literature emerged, illustrating militaristic views and activities. A work suggesting this statement is the “Chanson de Roland”, also known as Roland”, (circa 1100).
In example, long narratives were conveyed in groups of ten to twelve-syllable lines which rhymed and were comprised of varying lengths. (See: Chansons DE Geste.)
Other forms of French literature developed within the 1100s relative to the stories of saints and the Celtic-style romances of Chretien de Troyes.
Later on, romances and allegories became more refined. Examples include: “Roman De La Rose”, a philosophical tale; and, “Reynard the Fox”, an amusing and clever tale.
Other new forms of (French) literature continued to emerge such as the lai, also known as the animal fable; and, fabliau: (which is) a rhyming anecdotal work. (Many of the latter styles possessed themes from (classic) mythology.
Ovid's and Aesop's works were exceptionally popular. Also, “Arthurian Legend” was another highly regarded form (of literature).
The French lyric (style) poem was the result (and developed) from the songs of the Trouviers and Troubadours. (Additionally, the personal works of the French poet contributed to this style of poetry.)
Be advised, among the most significant lyric poets of the Middle Ages follow: Colin Muset, Rutebeuf, Christine de Pisan, Alain Chartier and Charles d'Orleans.
Francois Villon is an important (lyric-style) poet who composed his works (categorically) under the old French.
The (next) step to pursue in your exploration of French literature is learning more about the French drama. This form of French literature, in its (earliest) phase, was comprised of plays, religious in theme: the best-known plays being the (anonymous) mysteries. In example, the “Mystere d' Adam” of the 1100s.
Included in the Miracle Plays of the 1200s is: Jean Bodel's, “Jeu de St. Nicolas”.
Non-religious and morally instructional type plays were being performed by the end of the (thirteenth) century.
French prose had its start with the works of the historians. The authors include: Geoffroi de Villehardouin; Jean de Joinville; Jean Froissart; and Phillippe de Comines, (one of the more significant and last of the medieval historians.)
The late 1400s to the early 1500s marked the beginning(s) of the Renaissance in France.
Three highly-acclaimed figures emerged from the country pertinent to World Literature. They included: Francois Rabelais, Pierre de Ronsard; and Michel Eyquem de Montaigne. The authors were dominant in the 1500s.
It is apparent that Italian influence was (strongly) significant in the poetic work(s) of clement Marot and the dramas produced by (authors): Robert Garnier and Etienne Jodelle.
Not every French author was “swayed” by the (literary) style(s) of the Italians. In fact, a group of (French) poets (six in total) and known as the Pleiade reacted by rivaling the literary accomplishments of the Italians. (One poet belonging to this group (of six) was Ronsard.)
However, early in the 1600s, the (French) critic Francois de Malherbe strongly attacked the Pleiade's excesses. (Francois de Malherbe's) disposition, in this regard, has been highly significant to French literature (ever since that time).
Religious and domestic strife of the late 1500s is freely shown in the poetic works of authors: Theodore d' Aubigne', Guillaume de Bartas and Jean de Sponde.
