Charles Baudelaire is thought to be one
of the greatest poets of the 19th century. The Flowers of Evil is his
most well known book, the themes of which include sensuality, love,
death, ennui, the power of the devil over mankind, the search for beauty and
meaning in modern life, and the plight of the poor and alienated.
Baudelaire believed that in man's soul there are two opposing
inclinations of equal strength, one toward the devil, the other toward
God. This is reflected to a very great degree in his writings, some of
which emanate a morbid and rebellious hedonism, and others of which are
written in a somewhat more Christian spirit. It may be that Baudelaire's
diabolical literature is intended to repulse the reader, and hence help
him along his way toward repentance. You'll have to decide for yourself.
My favorite book of his is Paris Spleen, a a collection of what are
called poems in prose. The same themes are dealt with as in The Flowers
of Evil, though now in a more reflective, and often more humorous tone. Also
by Baudelaire are works of literary and art criticism and a book on the
hazards of drug use entitled Artificial Paradises.
