Every Man His Chimaera
The narrative unfolds in a desolate landscape under a grey sky, where men traverse a barren plain, each burdened by a Chimaera—a mythical creature symbolizing their inner struggles and aspirations. These men, bowed under the weight of their burdens, exhibit a peculiar acceptance of their plight, viewing the Chimaera not as a mere burden but as an integral part of their existence. Despite the oppressive nature of the creature, they continue their journey driven by an inexplicable desire to move forward, embodying a sense of resigned hope. Their expressions reflect neither despair nor irritation; instead, they accept their fate with stoicism, suggesting a deeper philosophical commentary on the human condition. The protagonist observes this procession, grappling with the mystery of their journey and the nature of their burdens. Ultimately, the narrative evokes themes of existential struggle, the search for meaning, and the paradox of hope amidst suffering, as the men fade into the horizon, leaving the observer in contemplation of their relentless pursuit. The work encapsulates the tension between aspiration and the weight of reality, illustrating how individuals carry their Chimaeras through life, embodying both the struggle and the resilience inherent in the human experience.
By Charles Pierre Baudelaire · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Romanticism · 397 words
First lines
Beneath a broad grey sky, upon a vast and dusty plain devoid of grass, and where not even a nettle or a thistle was to be seen, I met several men who walked bowed down to the ground.
Each one carried upon his back an enormous Chimaera as heavy as a sack of flour or coal, or as the equipment of a Roman foot-soldier.
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Every Man His Chimaera is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Pierre Baudelaire, dated 1857 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Romanticism, Gothic Literature, Modernism
- Length: 397 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — This book is a collection of poems written by Baudelaire. His unique use of language, metaphors and rhythm classifies it into this genre.
- Symbolism — The poems in this book often use symbols as a primary means of representing abstract ideas or states of mind, fitting the symbolism genre.
- Romanticism — Baudelaire's works often involve themes of beauty and passion intermingled with decay, aligning them with the romanticism genre.
- Gothic Literature — The dark themes and somber tone used by Baudelaire in this collection are characteristic of gothic literature.
Tags
poetry · symbolism · romanticism · existentialism · beauty · suffering · urban life · nature · imagination · dreams · melancholy · art