Madame De Sévigné

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, known to the world as Madame de Sévigné, was born into the aristocracy in Paris on February 5th 1626. She belonged to an old and distinguished noble family. When Marie was just a little over a year old, her father, Celse Bénigne de Rabutin, Baron de Chantal, died in battle. This tragedy was compounded a few years later when her mother, Marie de Coulanges, passed away as well. These early losses left young Marie an orphan by the age of seven. Following the deaths of her parents, her care and upbringing were entrusted to her maternal grandparents, Philippe de Coulanges and his wife. They, along with her uncle Christophe de Coulanges, played significant roles in her formative years, ensuring she received a good education and was well-versed in both the arts and letters, which was atypical for women of her time. Her uncle, in particular, recognized her sharp intellect and made sure she was well-educated, fostering in her a love for literature. This early exposure to the world of letters and her exceptional education would greatly influence her later life, setting the stage for her to become one of France's most celebrated epistolary writers.

“Thus we live and move like the blind, not knowing where we are bound, taking for evil what is good, taking for good what is evil, and always in total ignorance.”

― Marie de Sévigné

Marie came of age during one of the most transformative periods in French history. This era, marked by the shadows of the previous century's Protestant rise and the consequent Wars of Religion, saw a delicate balance of tension between Catholics and Huguenots. Despite the reprieve brought about by the Edict of Nantes in 1598, these religious tensions were still palpable throughout her life.

France was not just a land grappling with religious discord. The 17th century, particularly under the reigns of Louis XIII and the iconic Sun King, Louis XIV, marked a transition to a more centralized power structure, with the monarchy asserting absolute control, often at the expense of the nobility. Yet, it wasn't all politics and power struggles. This was also an age of artistic and intellectual blossoming. Thanks to royal patronage, figures like Molière, Racine, and Descartes graced this period with their unparalleled genius, contributing to what many consider the French Golden Age.

“For my part, I despise trivial occurrences; I am only for those which surprise and astonish.”

― Marie de Sévigné

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal married Henri de Sévigné in 1644 when she was 18 years old. Henri was a nobleman from Brittany, and together they had two children. Their first child, a daughter named Françoise, was born in 1646. Their second child, a son named Charles, was born in 1648. Tragically, Henri de Sévigné's life was cut short. He was killed in a duel in 1651, leaving Marie a widow at the age of 25. After her husband's death, she chose not to remarry, dedicating her life to her children and later becoming deeply involved in the intellectual and social circles of Parisian society.

Madame de Sévigné's primary claim to fame rests on her letters, most of which were penned to her dearly beloved daughter, Françoise. These letters, spanning over three decades, are more than mere correspondences. They are a mirror to the era, reflecting courtly life, societal observations, and personal introspections. Through her words, we relive the trial and execution of King Charles I of England, and we find ourselves engrossed in the sinister twists of the Affair of the Poisons in the French court.

Madame de Sévigné's letters gained posthumous fame when first published in the 1720s. Her letters are housed in various collections and libraries. The original manuscripts are scattered across different institutions such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris. due to the private nature of these letters, with some being held in private collections.

"We must always live in hope; without that consolation there would be no living."

― Marie de Sévigné

Madame de Sévigné's letters have been a goldmine for scholars across various fields. Literary experts have delved into her eloquent prose to understand 17th-century narrative styles, while historians have utilized her firsthand accounts to paint a vivid picture of the era's socio-political landscape. Her observations provide invaluable insights into societal norms, familial dynamics, and the roles of women in a predominantly patriarchal society where women were often relegated to the shadows, expected to play their part but rarely to voice their thoughts. Furthermore, her manuscripts are essential for bibliographic studies, revealing details about writing and preservation practices of her time.

Madame de Sévigné stands as a testament to the power of observation, the beauty of expression, and the spirit of a woman who, in her own subtle way, defied the conventions of her time. Through her, we not only witness history but are also reminded of the enduring power of individual voices in shaping our collective memory.