Charles Baudelaire: A Study

Name: Charles Baudelaire: A Study
Author: Arthur Symons

By Arthur Symons

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About This Book

A critical study profiles the poet's temperament and art, reading his verse as a deliberate fusion of sensuality and moral disquiet. It analyzes recurring motifs of evil, decay, and eroticism, describes stylistic refinement intermingled with corrosive imagery, and situates the work alongside predecessors and contemporaries to trace influences and contrasts. The essay examines technical craft—rhythm, diction, and symbolism—while showing how personal biography, imaginative criticism, and modern urban experience inform the poems. Appendices supply bibliography, notes, and illustrations to clarify textual context and reception.

About the Author

Arthur Symons

Arthur Symons was a British poet, critic, and essayist, known for his influential role in the Symbolist movement in literature. His works often explore themes of aesthetics and the interplay between art and emotion. Symons is particularly recognized for his critical studies, including "The Symbolist Movement in Literature," which examines the impact of Symbolism on modern literature. His writings on poets such as Charles Baudelaire and William Blake reflect his deep engagement with the artistic currents of his time. In addition to his literary criticism, Symons also produced poetry and plays, contributing to the rich tapestry of early 20th-century English literature.