'Correspondences' by Charles Baudelaire
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Nature is a temple where the living pillars
Let go sometimes a blurred speech—
A Forest of symbols passes through a man's reach
And observes him with a familiar regard.
Like the distant echoes that mingle and confound
In a unity of darkness and quiet
Deep as the night, clear as daylight
The perfumes, the colors, the sounds correspond.
The perfume is as fresh as the flesh of an infant
Sweet as an oboe, green as a prairie
—And the others, corrupt, rich and triumphant
Enlightened by the things of infinity,
Like amber, musk, benzoin and incense
That sing, transporting the soul and sense.
Translated by William A. Sigler
Submitted by Ryan McGuire
Editor 1 Interpretation
Correspondences by Charles Baudelaire
Are you ready to dive into the mystical world of Charles Baudelaire's Correspondences? This classic poem, written in 1857, is a masterpiece of French literature that explores the connections between the physical and spiritual realms. It is a poem that is both beautiful and enigmatic, and one that has fascinated readers for over a century.
The Poem
Before we delve into the deeper meaning of Correspondences, let's take a look at the poem itself. Here it is in full:
Nature is a temple in which living columns Sometimes give voice to confused words; Man passes there through forests of symbols Which look at him with understanding eyes.
Like prolonged echoes mingling in the distance In a deep and tenebrous unity, Vast as the dark of night and as the light of day, Perfumes, sounds, and colors correspond.
There are perfumes fresh like children's flesh, Sweet like oboes, green like meadows — And others corrupt, rich, and triumphant
That have the expanse of infinite things, Like ambergris, musk, benzoin, and incense, Which sing the ecstasy of the soul and senses.
Analysis and Interpretation
At first glance, Correspondences may seem like a simple poem about the beauty of nature. However, a closer examination reveals that it is much more than that. The poem is a celebration of the interconnectedness of all things, both physical and spiritual.
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come. Nature is described as a temple, a sacred space where living columns (presumably trees) give voice to confused words. This imagery suggests that there is a language to be found in nature, one that is not always easy to understand but is nonetheless meaningful.
The second line of the poem is particularly interesting. Baudelaire writes that man passes through forests of symbols in nature. This suggests that nature is not just a physical space but also a symbolic one. The symbols in nature are said to look at man with understanding eyes, implying that there is a relationship between man and nature that goes beyond the physical.
The second stanza of the poem is where Baudelaire really delves into the theme of correspondences. He writes that perfumes, sounds, and colors correspond, meaning that they are all connected in some way. This idea is further reinforced by the imagery of prolonged echoes mingling in the distance. The echoes represent the interconnectedness of all things, both physical and spiritual.
The third stanza of the poem is where Baudelaire really brings the idea of correspondences to life. He describes perfumes that are fresh like children's flesh, sweet like oboes, and green like meadows. These perfumes are said to correspond to each other, despite being very different. Baudelaire also describes corrupt, rich, and triumphant perfumes that have the expanse of infinite things. These perfumes are said to sing the ecstasy of the soul and senses.
So what does all of this mean? Baudelaire is suggesting that there is a spiritual dimension to nature that is often overlooked. He is arguing that everything in nature is connected in some way, and that there is a language to be found in nature that can help us understand the world around us. By exploring these correspondences, Baudelaire is trying to uncover the hidden meaning of nature.
Conclusion
Correspondences is a poem that is both beautiful and profound. It is a celebration of the interconnectedness of all things, and a reminder that there is more to the world than what we can see with our eyes. Baudelaire's use of imagery and language is masterful, and his exploration of correspondences is both fascinating and thought-provoking. This is a poem that has stood the test of time, and one that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Correspondences: A Poem of Mystical Connections
Charles Baudelaire's Correspondences is a poem that speaks to the mystical connections between the natural world and the human experience. It is a work that explores the interconnectedness of all things, and the ways in which the physical world can reflect and influence our inner lives. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes and imagery of this classic poem, and explore the ways in which it speaks to us today.
The poem begins with an invocation of the natural world, with Baudelaire describing the "perfumes, colors, and sounds" that surround us. He speaks of the "scented skies" and the "richness of the fields," painting a picture of a world that is alive with sensory experience. But this is not simply a celebration of the beauty of nature; Baudelaire is interested in the deeper connections that exist between the physical world and our inner lives.
He writes:
"Nature is a temple where living pillars Let sometimes emerge confused words; Man passes there through forests of symbols Which look at him with understanding eyes."
Here, Baudelaire is suggesting that the natural world is not just a collection of physical objects, but a place of deeper meaning and significance. The "living pillars" of the temple are the trees and plants that surround us, and the "confused words" that emerge from them are the symbols and signs that we can find in nature. These symbols are not always clear or easy to understand, but they are there, waiting for us to discover them.
Baudelaire goes on to describe the way in which we move through this world of symbols, passing "through forests of symbols" that look at us with "understanding eyes." This suggests that the natural world is not just a passive backdrop to our lives, but an active participant in our experience. The trees and plants that surround us are not just objects to be looked at, but living beings that can communicate with us in their own way.
The poem then moves on to explore some of the specific symbols and connections that Baudelaire sees in the natural world. He writes of "perfumes that are like children's flesh," suggesting a connection between the sweet, innocent scent of flowers and the purity of childhood. He speaks of "green expanses" that are like "an endless prelude to sleep," evoking the sense of calm and tranquility that can be found in nature.
But Baudelaire also acknowledges the darker side of the natural world. He writes of "black pools" that are like "open windows on eternity," suggesting the sense of mystery and fear that can be found in the depths of nature. He speaks of "horizons that enclose us," suggesting the way in which the natural world can sometimes feel like a prison, trapping us in our own thoughts and fears.
Throughout the poem, Baudelaire is exploring the way in which the natural world can reflect and influence our inner lives. He is suggesting that the symbols and connections that we find in nature are not just random or meaningless, but are part of a deeper, mystical web of meaning and significance. He is also suggesting that our relationship with the natural world is not just one of domination or exploitation, but one of mutual respect and understanding.
In conclusion, Correspondences is a poem that speaks to the mystical connections between the natural world and the human experience. It is a work that explores the interconnectedness of all things, and the ways in which the physical world can reflect and influence our inner lives. Through its rich imagery and evocative language, it invites us to see the world around us in a new and deeper way, and to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
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