Parfum Exotique (French)

By Charles Baudelaire

Sonnet
    Quand, les deux yeux ferms, en un soir chaud dautomne,     Je respire lodeur de ton sein chaleureux,     Je vois se drouler des rivages heureux     Qublouissent les feux dun soleil monotone;     Une le paresseuse o la nature donne     Des arbres singuliers et des fruits savoureux;     Des hommes dont le corps est mince et vigoureux,     Et des femmes dont lil par sa franchise tonne.     Guid par ton odeur vers de charmants climats,     Je vois un port rempli de voiles et de mts     Encor tout fatigus par la vague marine,     Pendant que le parfum des verts tamariniers,     Qui circule dans lair et menfle la narine     Se mle dans mon me au chant des mariniers.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, written in French, exudes an evocative sensory richness, and the reverie of an intimate, passionate connection. The prevailing themes are love and the vivid imagery inspired by the senses, particularly the sense of smell. The tone is one of enchantment and yearning, encapsulating a feeling of shared warmth and closeness.

The poem's structure, the classic French form of quatrains with ABBA rhyme scheme, aids in the progression of its narrative. Initially, it immerses the reader in the intimate moment between the speaker and their lover, then transports us to an idyllic landscape, and finally, a bustling port scene. The poet masterfully uses synesthesia, a literary device that presents ideas, characters or places in such a way that they appeal to more than one sense at a time, to weave a tapestry of sensory experiences. The scent of the lover's bosom is not just an aroma, but a guide to lush landscapes, a bustling port, and the mingled song of mariners. This poem encapsulates the power of sensory memory and the profound ways in which love can transport us beyond ourselves.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.