Religious in his own way, pagan, satanist, and provocative, Charles-Pierre Baudelaire (1821-1867) is considered the father of French symbolism, a movement critics trace back precisely to his book ‘Les Fleurs du mal’ (The Flowers of Evil), published in 1857. His poems, largely inspired by his passion for the mulatto Jeanne Duval, led to a trial for offending public decency and a fine that was substantial for its time. Six poems were suppressed from the collection, later incorporated into the volume ‘Les Épaves’ (The Scraps) in 1860. Charles Baudelaire was a precursor of the Symbolist movement in France and is regarded as the founder of modern poetry. His masterpiece, ‘Les Fleurs du mal, ‘ will always be remembered as a major reference in the lyrical genre.
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Charles-Pierre Baudelaire was born in Paris on April 9, 1821. He was the son of François Baudelaire and Caroline Archimbaut-Dufays. His father died in 1827, when Baudelaire was only six years old. His mother remarried Colonel Jacques Aupick, and the family moved to Lyon. He began his education at the Collège Royal de Lyon and later studied at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. Even at this time, he demonstrated his eccentricity and rebellious spirit, resulting in his expulsion from school.
When he came of age, Baudelaire received an inheritance of 75, 000 francs from his father. The family moved back to Paris after his stepfather was transferred to the capital. Baudelaire began spending his money on gambling and drugs, especially alcohol. He adopted a bohemian lifestyle, associating with various artists.
During this period, he lived in a boarding house in the city and became deeply indebted. Due to his extravagant spending and dissolute life, his stepfather and mother forced him to travel to Calcutta, India, in 1841. However, he decided to return to Paris before reaching his destination. He began writing poems and published his masterpiece, ‘Les Fleurs du mal’ (The Flowers of Evil), in 1857. Comprising 100 poems, the collection was censored, and the poet had to pay a fine to the state and the publisher. The primary issue of censorship was the themes explored by the writer, resulting in the removal of six poems deemed obscene.
He died in his hometown on August 31, 1867, at the age of only 46. During his lifetime, he did not achieve fame and was recognized posthumously. Baudelaire is considered one of the greatest French poets.
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