The Temptation
The Temptation (French: La Tentation) is a poem by Charles Pierre Baudelaire, first published in 1867 as part of his collection Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil). The poem explores the themes of desire, temptation, and the human condition. It is known for its vivid imagery and use of symbolism, and is considered one of Baudelaire's most important works.
By Charles Pierre Baudelaire · First published 1857 · Genre: Existential Fiction, Poetry, Gothic Fiction · 234 words
First lines
The Demon, in my chamber high. This morning came to visit me, And, thinking he would find some fault, He whispered: "I would know of thee
Among the many lovely things That make the magic of her face, Among the beauties, black and rose, That make her body's charm and grace,
Which is most fair? " Thou didst reply To the Abhorred, O soul of mine: "No single beauty is the best When she is all one flower divine.
When all things charm me I ignore Which one alone brings most delight; She shines before me like the dawn, And she consoles me like the night.
What this Textopian page supports
The Temptation 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: Existential Fiction, Poetry, Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Romantic Literature
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Temptation 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 The Temptation?
- How does this poem by Charles Pierre Baudelaire fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Existential Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Irreparable by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- A Chant by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- The Ideal by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- The Flask by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Every Man His Chimaera by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- The Favours Of The Moon by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
Genres
- Existential Fiction — Charles Baudelaire's works often explore themes of existential despair and the hardship of human existence, which are hallmarks of existential fiction.
- Poetry — Baudelaire is known for his poetic style and 'The Temptation' could be part of his poetry collection as standalone poem or as part of a larger narrative.
- Gothic Fiction — The title 'The Temptation' suggests a potential for themes of sin, guilt or supernatural elements, which are typical in Gothic fiction.
- Philosophical Fiction — Exploring deep questions of existence in a narrative form is a hallmark of philosophical fiction, a style often used by Baudelaire.
Tags
temptation · desire · poetry · romanticism · symbolism · beauty · decadence · existentialism · love · suffering · nature · urban life