Grandeur et décadence de l'estat du clergiét : le témoignage du Roman de la Rose moralisé de Jean Molinet

Abstract

In his commentary, the exegete of the moralized Roman de la Rose gives a vivid picture of the contemporary ecclesiastical world. Indeed, in this work, Jean Molinet expressly reaffirms the moral superiority of the first of the three orders. However, his speech aims above all to condemn the vices which too often stain the clerical world. The writer hunts down the sin of pride wherever it may hide, thus denouncing more particularly the vanity of the prelates. He judges less harshly the behaviour of the mendicant orders and underlines the beneficial effects of the reformist currents to which they were subjected. As he points out, monks and nuns are nevertheless very likely to be trapped by the devil, who quite often manages to overcome their virtue. Lastly, the work also gives a subtle self-portrait of the canon-writer, who regards his exegesis as a unique occasion to fulfil the function of preacher.