Quadrilogue invectif
The Quadrilogue invectif is a work of allegorical prose written by Alain Chartier in 1422[1] in which the author, through the use of a fictional dialogue between the Three Estates ("Le Peuple," "Le Chevalier," and "Le Clerge") and France, personified as a woman, exposes the suffering and oppression of the lower classes.
It was originally published as a pamphlet and in the vernacular, its impact as a vigorous and harshly critical appeal for the unity of France against the English during the Hundred Years War.
The work's impact was felt far beyond France; it was translated into English by at least two authors during the fifteenth century and was the main source for The Complaynt of Scotland written more than a century later when Scotland too was at war with England.
References
- ↑ Nall, Catherine (2012). Reading and War in Fifteenth-century England: From Lydgate to Malory. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 9781843843245. Retrieved June 30, 2026.