(1821-1867) French symbolist poet, critic, and translator. Controversial during his lifetime, he has become synonymous with literary and artistic decadence. One of the originators of symbolism, he sought correspondences among different sensory inputs. In his life Baudelaire rejected bourgeois values, embraced life on the fringe of society, and became the role model for the “bohemian” poet life style. His collection of poems Les Flerus du mal continues to remain influential and is considered the earliest and finest example of French modernist poetry.
(1821-1867) French symbolist poet, critic, and translator. Controversial during his lifetime, he has become synonymous with literary and artistic decadence. One of the originators of symbolism, he sought correspondences among different sensory inputs. In his life Baudelaire rejected bourgeois values, embraced life on the fringe of society, and became the role model for the “bohemian” poet life style. His collection of poems Les Flerus du mal continues to remain influential and is considered the earliest and finest example of French modernist poetry.
