The Ideal
The Ideal by Charles Pierre Baudelaire: A philosophical and literary work that explores the concept of the ideal in various aspects of life, including art, beauty, and human experience.
By Charles Pierre Baudelaire · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Symbolism · 156 words
First lines
Not all the beauties in old prints vignetted, The worthless products of an outworn age, With slippered feet and fingers castanetted, The thirst of hearts like this heart can assuage.
To Gavarni, the poet of chloroses, I leave his troupes of beauties sick and wan; I cannot find among these pale, pale roses, The red ideal mine eyes would gaze upon.
Lady Macbeth, the lovely star of crime, The Greek poet's dream born in a northern clime -- Ah, she could quench my dark heart's deep desiring;
Or Michelangelo's dark daughter Night, In a strange posture dreamily admiring Her beauty fashioned for a giant's delight!
What this Textopian page supports
The Ideal 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, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, French Literature
- Length: 156 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ideal by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ideal?
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — Charles Baudelaire is a renowned French poet and The Ideal is a poem from his famous collection, 'Paris Spleen'.
- Literary Fiction — As a part of 'Paris Spleen', The Ideal reflects characteristics of Literary Fiction With deep internal thoughts of the protagonist and vivid descriptions of the surroundings considered typical of this genre.
- Symbolism — Known for infusing symbolist elements into his work, Baudelaire's The Ideal can also be read as containing several instances of symbolism.
- French Literature — As a French poet, Baudelaire's work, including The Ideal, is certainly a crucial part of French Literature.
Tags
romanticism · symbolism · poetry · beauty · aesthetics · nature · art · melancholy · urban life · transcendence · existentialism · love