What Is Truth?

By Charles Baudelaire

Reflective Poem
    I once knew a certain Benedicta whose presence filled the air with the ideal and whose eyes spread abroad the desire of grandeur, of beauty, of glory, and of all that makes man believe in immortality.     But this miraculous maiden was too beautiful for long life, so she died soon after I knew her first, and it was I myself who entombed her, upon a day when spring swung her censer even in the burial-ground. It was I myself who entombed her, fast closed in a coffin of perfumed wood, as uncorruptible as the coffers of India.     And, as my eyes rested upon the spot where my treasure lay hidden, I became suddenly aware of a little being who singularly resembled the dead; and who, stamping the newly-turned earth with a curious and hysterical violence, burst into laughter, and said:     "It is I, the true Benedicta! It is I, the notorious drab! As the punishment of your folly and blindness you shall love me as I truly am."     But I, furious, replied: "No!" The better to emphasise my refusal I struck the ground so violently with my foot that my leg was thrust up to the knee in the recent grave, and I, like a wolf in a trap, was caught perhaps for ever in the Grave of the Ideal.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, rich in its imagery and tone, explores themes of idealization, mortality, disillusionment, and the conflict between reality and illusion. The speaker's infatuation with the "miraculous maiden," Benedicta, is indicative of his pursuit of idealized beauty and grandeur. Her untimely death, however, symbolizes the fleeting nature of these ideals, and the stark reality of mortality.

The structure of the poem accentuates this tragic narrative arc, with the first half steeped in romanticized admiration for Benedicta, and the second half mired in the harsh reality of her death and the speaker's subsequent disillusionment. The sudden appearance of a 'true Benedicta,' who "resembled the dead," seems to represent the harsh reality behind the illusion of perfection, a reality that the speaker vehemently rejects.

The intriguing use of the metaphor, where the speaker finds himself trapped "like a wolf in a trap" in Benedicta's grave, underscores his inability to accept the harsh truth and his entrapment within his own idealized perception. This poem offers an intense reflection on the human tendency to idealize, and the devastating consequences when reality shatters these illusions. The tone throughout the poem oscillates between adulation, despair, and ultimately, denial, producing a profoundly moving exploration of human folly and the eternal struggle between idealism and realism.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.