Ausiàs March

Ausiàs March was a poet and knight who lived in the 1400s in Gandia, Valencia. He was born around 1400 and passed away on March 3, 1459.

March is remembered as one of the greatest writers during a special time called the "Golden Century" of Valencian literature. His poems talked about deep feelings and big ideas. He became an important part of Valencian language and culture.

Biography

Not much is known about Ausiàs March's life. He was born around 1400 into a noble family in Valencia. His father, Pere March, was a poet and worked at the court of Peter, the younger brother of King Alfonso IV. His uncle, Jaume March II, was also a poet. March had a younger sister named Peirona.

When March was still young, he became the head of his family in 1413 after his father passed away. He joined King Alfons el Magnànim on trips across the Mediterranean Sea. After returning in 1427, he settled in Gandia and never left that area again. He was married twice — first to Isabel Martorell, the sister of writer Joanot Martorell, and later to Joana Escorna. In 1450, he moved to Valencia, where he died on March 3, 1459. His body was buried in the family's chapel at the Valencia Cathedral, while his wives and family rest in the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba.

Poetry

Ausiàs March had money from his father, who worked for the Duke of Gandia. He also got help from Charles of Viana, a prince of Aragon. This let him spend time writing poetry. He liked the poet Petrarch and wrote love songs called Cants d'amor about a lady he saw in church on Good Friday. He used Petrarch’s style but added his own feelings, especially in his Cants de mort, poems about death.

March was one of the first to write poetry in his own language, Valencian, instead of the older troubadour language, Occitan. His poems are deep and sometimes sad, looking at the clash between strong wishes and good values. His work inspired other poets. Later, his poems were put to music by composers such as Raimon and Joan Brudieu.