The World's Malicious

Name: The World's Malicious
Author: Théophile Gautier

The narrative explores the complexities of beauty and perception, focusing on a young woman whose charm is both celebrated and criticized by society. The speaker addresses her directly, acknowledging the world's cynical view that reduces her to mere superficiality, suggesting that her beauty is a façade rather than a reflection of genuine emotion. The poem contrasts the external judgments of society with the internal reality of the young woman's experience. The speaker recognizes the tumultuous emotions beneath her exterior, likening her heart to the unpredictable sea, filled with passion and life. Despite the world's disdain, which claims her allure is a product of artifice and manipulation, the speaker sees the authenticity in her laughter and intelligence, suggesting that her charm is not merely learned but innate. As the poem progresses, the speaker reveals a deeper understanding of the young woman's feelings, asserting that she harbors genuine affection for him, a sentiment that the world fails to recognize. The speaker invites her to disregard societal opinions and embrace the truth of her emotions, emphasizing the disconnect between public perception and personal reality. Ultimately, the work critiques societal norms that diminish individual worth based on appearances and highlights the tension between external judgment and internal truth. The speaker's intimate knowledge of the young woman's heart serves as a counterpoint to the world's maliciousness, advocating for a recognition of authentic emotion over superficial assessments.

By Théophile Gautier · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 291 words

First lines

Ah, little one, the world's malicious! With mocking smiles thy beauty greeting. It says that in thy breast capricious A watch, and not a heart, is beating.

Yet like the sea thy breast is swelling With all the wild, tumultuous power A tide of blood sends pulsing, welling, Beneath thy flesh in life's young hour.

Ah, little one, the world is spiteful! It says thy vivid eyes are fooling, And that they have their charm delightful From faithful, diplomatic schooling.

Yet on thy lashes' shifting curtain An iridescent tear-drop trembles, Like dew unbidden and uncertain, That no well-water's gleam resembles.

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The World's Malicious is listed on Textopian as a poem by Théophile Gautier, dated 1865 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Théophile Gautier
Date: 1865 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism, Philosophical
Length: 291 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of beauty, emotion, and individual experience reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor to convey deeper meanings aligns with Symbolist literature.