Author: Charles Baudelaire
One day in ashy, cindery terrains, As I meandered, making my complaint To nature, slowly sharpening the knife Of thought against the whetstone of my heart, In plainest day I saw around my head A lowering cloud as weighty as a storm, Which bore within a vicious demon throng Who showed themselves as cruel and curious dwarfs. Disdainfully they circled and observed And, as a madman draws a crowd to jokes, I heard them laugh and whisper each to each, Giving their telling nudges and their winks: 'Now is the time to roast this comic sketch, This shadow-Hamlet, who takes the pose The indecisive stare and straying hair. A pity, isn't it, to see this fraud, This posturer, this actor on relief? Because he plays his role with some slight art He thinks his shabby whining entertains The eagles, and the insects, brooks and flowers. Even to us, who wrote these trite charades, He mouths the speeches of his paltry show.' I had authority (my giant pride Can easily disperse that chattering rout) And simply could have turned my sovereign head, Had I not seen, among that filthy troupe, O crime that did not make the sun to swerve! My heart's bright queen, she of the matchless gaze, Who laughed with those who fed on my distress, And stroked them more than once with low caress.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a deeply introspective and somewhat despairing exploration of the self, evoking themes of isolation, self-deprecation, and betrayal. The speaker sets the scene in a desolate, ashy landscape, where he is tormented by 'cruel and curious dwarfs' who ridicule him. The imagery used to describe these tormentors is quite symbolic, with the dwarfs possibly representing the speaker's internal demons, self-doubt, or critics.
The tone of the poem is decidedly somber and introspective, with the speaker's lamentation on his perceived worthlessness and fraudulence. The interplay of light and dark imagery, such as the 'lowering cloud as weighty as a storm' and 'my heart's bright queen,' provides a stark contrast and further emphasizes the speaker's inner turmoil. This is complemented by the use of theatrical metaphors, which not only speaks to the speaker's self-perceived artificiality but also adds a layer of dramatic irony to the poem.
The structure of the poem is fluid and allows the themes of self-reflection and despair to be thoroughly explored. The poet uses enjambment to create a flowing, almost stream-of-consciousness style that mirrors the speaker's internal thought processes. The poem concludes with a startling revelation of betrayal, which serves as a powerful, emotionally charged climax to the poem.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich in metaphor and symbolism, which contribute to its overall depth and complexity. The 'cruel and curious dwarfs,' 'shadow-Hamlet,' and 'my heart's bright queen' all serve as potent symbols that add layers of meaning to the poem. The language used is beautifully evocative, painting vivid pictures and effectively conveying the speaker's emotional state. This is a thought-provoking poem that invites readers to reflect on themes of self-worth, criticism, and betrayal.
Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.
Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:
From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.