“You shall suffer for ever the influence of my kiss. You shall be beautiful in my fashion. You shall love that which I love and that which loves me: water, clouds, silence and the night; the immense green sea; the formless and multiform streams; the place where you shall not be; the lover whom you shall not know; flowers of monstrous shape; perfumes that cause delirium; cats that shudder, swoon and curl up on pianos and groan like women, with a voice that is hoarse and gentle! And you shall be loved by my lovers, courted by my courtiers. You shall be the queen of all men that have green eyes, whose necks also I have clasped in my nocturnal caresses; of those who love the sea, the sea that is immense, tumultuous and green, the formless and multiform streams, the place where they are not, the woman whom they do not know, sinister flowers that resemble the censers of a strange religion, perfumes that confound the will; and the savage and voluptuous animals which are the emblems of their dementia.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Charles Baudelaire's work, the speaker expresses a desire for the listener to be forever changed by their kiss. The speaker outlines a list of influences that the listener will now be bound to, including water, clouds, silence, the night, the sea, and various other mysterious and alluring elements. The speaker describes a world of beauty and darkness, where the listener will be loved by their lovers and courted by their courtiers. The language used is rich and evocative, creating a sense of mystery and longing. The quote conveys a sense of obsession, possession, and a desire for the listener to be transformed by the speaker's power.
Modern Relevance
This quote from Charles Baudelaire's work captures a sense of seductive allure and mystery, emphasizing the power of passion and desire. In today's world, it could be interpreted as a representation of the complex and often tumultuous nature of relationships, where individuals are drawn to the unknown and unconventional aspects of love and beauty. Baudelaire's vivid imagery and romanticism continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the timeless allure of the forbidden and the unknown.
Baudelaire's Exquisite Descriptions of Love and Desire
"You shall suffer for ever the influence of my kiss. You shall be beautiful in my fashion. You shall love that which I love and that which loves me: water, clouds, silence and the night; the immense green sea; the formless and multiform streams; the place where you shall not be; the lover whom you shall not know; flowers of monstrous shape; perfumes that cause delirium; cats that shudder, swoon and curl up on pianos and groan like women, with a voice that is hoarse and gentle! And you shall be loved by my lovers, courted by my courtiers. You shall be the queen of all men that have green eyes, whose necks also I have clasped in my nocturnal caresses; of those who love the sea, the sea that is immense, tumultuous and green, the formless and multiform streams, the place where they are not, the woman whom they do not know, sinister flowers that resemble the censers of a strange religion, perfumes that confound the will; and the savage and voluptuous animals which are the emblems of their dementia." - Charles Baudelaire
Reflection Questions
Upon reading this quote from Charles Baudelaire, take some time to reflect on the following questions:
- How does the imagery in the passage make you feel?
- What do you think Baudelaire is trying to convey about love and beauty through his words?
- Do you think the idea of being under someone's influence in such a way is appealing or unsettling? Why?
- How does the idea of being loved by someone's lovers and courted by their courtiers make you feel?
- What connections can you draw between the themes in this passage and your own experiences or beliefs about love and desire?
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