# Jean de La Fontaine

> French poet, fabulist and writer (1621–1695)

**Wikidata**: [Q49496](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49496)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_de_La_Fontaine)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-de-la-fontaine

## Summary
Jean de La Fontaine was a French poet, fabulist, and writer (1621–1695) known for his collection of fables, *Fables of La Fontaine*, which became a cornerstone of French literature and influenced storytelling worldwide.

## Biography
- Born: 1621, Château de Vaucluse, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the Collège de Clermont in Paris
- Known for: Writing *Fables of La Fontaine*, a renowned collection of moral fables
- Employer(s): Académie Française (member)
- Field(s): Literature, poetry, children's writing

## Contributions
- **Fables of La Fontaine (1668–1694)**: A collection of 280 fables that anthropomorphized animals to convey moral lessons, influencing literature and education for centuries.
- **Membership in the Académie Française**: Joined in 1662, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the French language.
- **Children's Literature**: Wrote works like *The Lion and the Mouse* and *The Wolf and the Lamb*, which remain popular in educational settings.

## FAQs
**What is Jean de La Fontaine known for?**
Jean de La Fontaine is known for his collection of fables, *Fables of La Fontaine*, which became a foundational work in French literature and children's storytelling.

**Where did Jean de La Fontaine study?**
He studied at the Collège de Clermont in Paris.

**What was Jean de La Fontaine's role in the Académie Française?**
He was a member of the Académie Française, contributing to the preservation of the French language.

**What are some of his most famous fables?**
Some of his most famous fables include *The Lion and the Mouse* and *The Wolf and the Lamb*.

**How did his work influence literature?**
His fables, known for their moral lessons and vivid storytelling, influenced literature and education for centuries.

## Why They Matter
Jean de La Fontaine's *Fables of La Fontaine* became a cornerstone of French literature, shaping moral education and storytelling for generations. His work remains a staple in children's literature and continues to inspire writers and educators worldwide. His membership in the Académie Française further cemented his role in preserving the French language and literary tradition.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Work in Children's Literature**: *Fables of La Fontaine* remains a classic in educational and children's literature.
- **Membership in the Académie Française**: Contributed to the institution's role in promoting the French language.
- **Influence on Moral Education**: His fables were widely used to teach moral lessons in schools and homes.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jean de La Fontaine was born in 1621 at Château de Vaucluse, France. He received his education at the Collège de Clermont in Paris, where he studied classical literature and rhetoric.

### Literary Career
La Fontaine began writing fables in his early twenties, publishing his first collection in 1668. His works, known for their moral lessons and vivid storytelling, quickly gained popularity. His most famous collection, *Fables of La Fontaine*, was completed in 1694 and consists of 280 fables.

### Membership in the Académie Française
In 1662, La Fontaine was elected to the Académie Française, where he served as a member until his death in 1695. His membership contributed to the institution's role in preserving and promoting the French language.

### Influence and Legacy
La Fontaine's fables remain a staple in children's literature and educational settings. His work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire writers and educators. His moral lessons and storytelling techniques have left a lasting impact on literature and moral education.

### Notable Works
- **The Lion and the Mouse**: A fable about the importance of humility and the consequences of arrogance.
- **The Wolf and the Lamb**: A story about the dangers of greed and the value of kindness.
- **The Fox and the Grapes**: A fable illustrating the frustration of unmet desires and the importance of patience.

### Cultural Impact
La Fontaine's fables have been adapted into numerous forms of media, including films, animations, and educational programs. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its timeless moral lessons and literary merit.

## References

1. Archivio Storico Ricordi
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. RKDartists
5. [Académie Française](https://www.academie-francaise.fr/les-immortels/jean-de-la-fontaine?fauteuil=24&election=24-04-1684)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. Library of the World's Best Literature
8. [Source](https://books.google.fr/books?id=wOTakd8-w04C&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
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16. International Music Score Library Project
17. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. filmportal.de
20. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
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34. [Source](https://theaterencyclopedie.nl/wiki/index.php?curid=202654)
35. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/31998552/justlinks.json)
36. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
37. [Source](https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/coil001lexi01_01/lvdj00325.php#f020)
38. CONOR.SI
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42. [The Fables of Jean de la Fontaine](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/87770-daniel-berkeley-updike-the-fables-of-jean-de-la-fontaine)
43. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
44. Provenio