Biographie d'Arthur Rimbaud
Biography of Arthur Rimbaud
Early Life and Education
- Arthur Rimbaud was born in Charleville on October 20, 1854. His father was a soldier who spent most of Rimbaud's youth away from home.
- Rimbaud's mother emphasized hard study, punishing her children by making them recite Latin verses or withholding food if they did not work diligently.
- Despite unpleasant early educational experiences, Rimbaud excelled academically and developed a passion for poetry at a young age, writing his poem "Ophélie" at just 16.
Rebellion and Relationships
- By the age of 16, Rimbaud began to rebel against the constraints of school and family life, leading him to run away to Paris in August 1870.
- In Paris, he met poet Paul Verlaine; their relationship became intense but tumultuous as both indulged in heavy drinking and drug use.
- Their affair ended violently when Verlaine shot Rimbaud during an argument, resulting in Verlaine serving two years in prison.
Literary Contributions
- During Verlaine's imprisonment, Rimbaud wrote prolifically and completed "Une Saison en Enfer" (A Season in Hell), showcasing his symbolic literary style.
- At the age of 21, disillusioned with writing, Rimbaud decided to abandon poetry altogether to explore the world.
Travels and Later Life
- He joined the Dutch colonial army in 1876 which allowed him free travel to Java; however, he soon deserted to become an explorer.
- After various adventures across Europe and Africa including working as a foreman in Cyprus, he returned briefly to France due to health issues related to typhoid fever.
Final Years