French literature

Depending on usage, the term "French literature" may or may not include literature composed in the Provençal dialect, or langue d'oc.

Notable French writers include:

•  François Villon: 15th century French poet. ^[e]

• Pierre de Ronsard: French poet, 1524—1585. ^[e]

•  Molière: (January 15, 1622 – February 17, 1673) French 17th-century playwright and actor, author of many comedies. ^[e]

• Jean Racine: French playwright and poet, 1639—1690. ^[e]

•  Voltaire: The pen-name of François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), a French writer and philosopher, who was one of the leading figures of The Enlightenment. ^[e]