A Madrigal of Sorrow
Baudelaire's "A Madrigal of Sorrow" is a poignant and introspective work that explores the depths of human emotion. The poem delves into the sorrow and melancholy that can accompany love, life, and loss. Through his masterful use of language and imagery, Baudelaire creates a hauntingly beautiful piece that resonates deeply with readers.
By Charles Pierre Baudelaire · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy · 392 words
First lines
What do I care though you be wise? Be sad, be beautiful; your tears But add one more charm to your eyes, As streams to valleys where they rise; And fairer every flower appears
After the storm. I love you most When joy has fled your brow downcast; When your heart is in horror lost, And o'er your present like a ghost Floats the dark shadow of the past.
What this Textopian page supports
A Madrigal of Sorrow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Pierre Baudelaire, dated 1857 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy, Symbolism
- Length: 392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Madrigal of Sorrow by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Madrigal of Sorrow?
- How does this poem by Charles Pierre Baudelaire fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Starlight by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- The Irreparable by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Bien Loin Dici by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Florians Song by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- A Chant by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- The Beacons by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
Genres
- Poetry — Charles Pierre Baudelaire is a renowned French poet and the style and title of the work suggests it is a piece of poetry.
- Romantic — The term 'madrigal' refers to a form of love poetry, indicating a Romantic theme in the literature.
- Tragedy — The inclusion of 'sorrow' in the title suggests that the work contains themes of suffering and sadness, aligning it with the genre of tragedy.
- Symbolism — Baudelaire is often associated with the Symbolist movement in poetry, which uses symbols to suggest meanings beyond the literal.
Tags
poetry · melancholy · romanticism · symbolism · existentialism · beauty · suffering · nature · love · loss · darkness · emotion