That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity – that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
The Poet is a kinsman in the clouds Who scoffs at archers, loves a stormy day; But on the ground, among the hooting crowds, He cannot walk, his wings are in the way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The poet feels isolated and misunderstood in society despite their lofty ideals and creativity.
In this quote, Baudelaire captures the essence of the poet's struggle between the ethereal world of imagination and the harsh realities of life. While the poet is admired for their artistic vision and creative spirit, they often find themselves at odds with a society that fails to understand or accept their unique perspective, leading to a sense of alienation and conflict between their aspirations and the expectations of the mundane world.
Themes
PoetCreationIsolationSocietyArtisticStruggle
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of artists in society, this quote can highlight the struggles creatives face.
More from Charles Baudelaire
All quotes →The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
Charles BaudelaireRead
Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
Charles BaudelaireRead
There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
Charles BaudelaireRead
The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
Charles BaudelaireRead
I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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