"The Romance of the Rose" is a medieval French poem written by Guillaume de Lorris and later completed by Jean de Meun. It is an allegorical work that explores themes of love, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The poem is structured as a dream vision, where the narrator embarks on a quest to win the love of a beautiful rose, symbolizing the ideal woman.
The poem is divided into two main sections, with Lorris focusing on the courtly love tradition and Meun expanding on philosophical ideas. It became highly influential in medieval literature, inspiring numerous adaptations and discussions about love and morality throughout the centuries.