'Benediction' by Charles Baudelaire
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When, by decree of the supreme power,
The Poet appears in this annoyed world,
His mother, blasphemous out of horror
At God's pity, cries out with fists curled:
"Ah! I'd rather You'd will me a snake's skin
Than to keep feeding this monstrous slur!
I curse that night's ephemera are sins
To make my womb atone for pleasure.
"Since You have chosen me from all the brides
To bear the disgust of my dolorous groom
And since I can't throw back into the fires
Like an old love letter this gaunt buffoon
"I'll replace Your hate that overwhelms me
On the instrument of Your wicked gloom
And torture so well this miserable tree
Its pestiferous buds will never bloom!"
She chokes down the eucharist of venom,
Not comprehending eternal designs,
She prepares a Gehenna of her own,
And consecrates a pyre of maternal crimes.
Yet, watched by an invisible seraph,
The disinherited child is drunk on the sun
And in all he devours and in all he quaffs
Receives ambrosia, nectar and honey.
He plays with the wind, chats with the vapors,
Deliriously sings the stations of the cross;
And the Spirit who follows him in his capers
Cries at his joy like a bird in the forest.
Those whom he longs to love look with disdain
And dread, strengthened by his tranquillity,
They seek to make him complain of his pain
So they may try out their ferocity.
In the bread and wine destined for his lips,
They mix in cinders and spit with their wrath,
And throw out all he touches as he grasps it,
And accuse him of putting his feet in their path.
His wife cries out so that everyone hears:
"Since he finds me good enough to adore
I'll weave as the idols of ancient years
A corona of gold as a cover.
"I'll get drunk on nard, incense and myrrh,
Get down on bent knee with meats and wines
To see if in a heart that admires,
My smile denies deference to the divine.
"And, when I tire of these impious farces,
I'll arrange for him my frail and hard nails
Sharpened just like the claws of a harpy
That out of his heart will carve a trail.
"Like a baby bird trembling in the nest
I'll dig out his heart all red from my breast
To slake the thirst of my favorite pet,
And will throw it on the ground with contempt!"
Toward the sky, where he sees a great host,
The poet, serene, lifts his pious arms high
And the vast lightning of his lucid ghost
Blinds him to the furious people nearby:
"Glory to God, who leaves us to suffer
To cure us of all our impurities
And like the best, most rarefied buffer
Prepares the strong for a saint's ecstasies!
"I know that You hold a place for the Poet
In the ranks of the blessed and the saint's legions,
That You invite him to an eternal fete
Of thrones, of virtues, of dominations.
"I know only sorrow is unequaled,
It cannot be encroached on from Hell or Earth
And if I am to braid my mystic wreath,
May I impose it on the universe.
"But the ancient jewels of lost Palmyra,
The unknown metals, pearls from the ocean
By Your hand mounted, they do not suffice,
They cannot dazzle as clearly as this crown
"For it will not be made except from halos
Drawn of pure light in a holy portal
Whose entire splendor, in the eyes of mortals
Is only a mirror, obscure and mournful."
Translated by William A. Sigler
Submitted by Ryan McGuire
Editor 1 Interpretation
Benediction by Charles Baudelaire: A Probing Interpretation
Benediction by Charles Baudelaire is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and evocative piece of literature that uses vivid imagery and strong language to convey its message. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem, exploring its themes, motifs, and symbolism. We will also analyze the language and structure of the poem, examining how they contribute to its overall effect.
Historical context
Before we begin, let us first consider the historical context in which Benediction was written. Baudelaire was a French poet who lived in the 19th century, a time of great social and political upheaval in Europe. His poetry was often controversial, exploring taboo subjects such as sexuality and drug use. Benediction was written as part of his collection of poems, Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil), which was published in 1857. The collection was initially banned by the French government for its explicit content, but it has since become a celebrated work of literature.
Theme of Benediction
At its core, Benediction is a poem about the power of love and the transformative effect it can have on a person. The speaker in the poem is addressing his lover, praising her beauty and the way she has changed his life. He describes how her love has given him a sense of purpose and meaning, and how he is grateful for the blessings she has brought into his life.
But the poem is not just a simple ode to love. It also explores the darker aspects of love, such as jealousy and possessiveness. The speaker acknowledges that his love for his partner is not always pure and selfless - he admits to feeling jealousy and wanting to possess her completely. This tension between the light and dark aspects of love is a recurring motif in Baudelaire's poetry, and it is particularly effective in Benediction.
Symbolism in Benediction
One of the most striking features of Benediction is its use of vivid and powerful symbolism. Throughout the poem, Baudelaire uses imagery to convey the speaker's feelings and emotions. For example, in the opening lines, he compares his lover's beauty to a "flagrant prison" - a symbol of the way her beauty has captivated him and made him feel trapped in her love. Later in the poem, he uses the image of a "savage animal" to represent his own jealousy and possessiveness, and the way it threatens to consume him.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the idea of a blessing. The title of the poem, Benediction, suggests that the speaker sees his lover as a kind of divine figure, capable of bestowing blessings and grace upon him. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as the speaker describes how his lover's love has transformed him and given him a sense of purpose.
Language and structure
The language and structure of Benediction are also important in creating its overall effect. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and naturalism, as if the words are flowing directly from the speaker's heart.
The language Baudelaire uses is also powerful and evocative. He employs vivid and sometimes shocking imagery to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. For example, he describes his love as a "dagger in my soul" and his jealousy as a "poisonous beast". These images are striking and memorable, and they contribute to the emotional power of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Benediction is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the transformative power of love. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and striking language, the poem conveys the intense emotions of the speaker and the complex nature of love. The tension between the light and dark aspects of love is particularly effective, as it reflects the contradictory and often confusing nature of human relationships. Benediction is a classic work of literature that has much to teach us about the nature of love and the human heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Benediction by Charles Baudelaire: An Analysis of the Classic Poem
Charles Baudelaire, the French poet, is known for his works that explore the darker aspects of human nature. His poem, Benediction, is no exception. In this poem, Baudelaire delves into the themes of sin, redemption, and the human condition. The poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of humanity and the struggle between good and evil.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing God, asking for his blessing. The speaker is aware of his own sinfulness and seeks redemption. He acknowledges that he is not worthy of God's love, but still asks for it. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a plea for forgiveness and mercy.
The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of sin. The speaker acknowledges that sin is a part of the human condition and that it is impossible to avoid it. He describes sin as a "poison" that infects the soul and corrupts it. The imagery in this stanza is powerful, with the speaker describing sin as a "venomous serpent" that coils around the heart. This imagery is a metaphor for the insidious nature of sin, which can take hold of a person without them even realizing it.
The third stanza of the poem is a plea for redemption. The speaker asks God to cleanse him of his sins and to make him pure again. He acknowledges that he cannot do this on his own and that he needs God's help. This stanza is a powerful expression of the human desire for redemption and the need for a higher power to help us achieve it.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of God. The speaker acknowledges that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He describes God as a "great king" who rules over all of creation. This stanza is a reminder of the majesty and power of God, and the speaker's humility in the face of it.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of humanity. The speaker acknowledges that humans are flawed and sinful, but also capable of great beauty and goodness. He describes humans as "angels with broken wings" who are struggling to find their way back to God. This stanza is a powerful expression of the human condition and the struggle between good and evil.
The final stanza of the poem is a plea for God's mercy. The speaker asks God to forgive him for his sins and to grant him eternal life. He acknowledges that he is not worthy of this mercy, but still asks for it. This final stanza is a powerful expression of the human desire for redemption and the need for God's mercy.
Overall, Benediction is a powerful poem that explores the themes of sin, redemption, and the human condition. The poem is a meditation on the nature of humanity and the struggle between good and evil. The imagery in the poem is powerful, with the speaker using metaphors to describe the insidious nature of sin and the majesty of God. The poem is a reminder of the human desire for redemption and the need for a higher power to help us achieve it.
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