The sea in French poetry from 1870 to the present day

Abstract

Introduction. With the Romantic poets had come reawakened interest in the sea, a subject long neglected. The last half century has seen love and admiration for the sea entering into the work of a large number of French poets. Five among them, in whose work its influence is essential, have been chosen as representative:- Corbiere, Richepin, Verhaeren, Le Braz and Le Goffic. Chapter I. The diversity of temperament in those poets to whom these a appeals, and the influence of temperament on their attitude towards the subject. Chapter II. The sea and the artist. The variety of aspects chosen miniatures, intimate and detailed painting of definite scenes. The contrast between the vision of the Breton poets and Verhaeren; the suggestive and melodious expression of the mobility of the sea. Chapter III. The interest of contemporary poets in the sea as an influence on the character and lives of sailors; their close observation and realistic description of the sailor and his ways. Chapter IV. The sea as a force beside mankind, and as a link between the nations of the world; its invitation to the traveller and its encouragement to man. Chapter V. What the sea suggests to the thought and imagination of the poet. The ocean as a symbol of the infinite. Conclusion. The growing interest in the sea among poets of the last half century. Realism and intimacy in their treatment of each phase of the subject. The absence of the vague melancholy of the Romantics. The recognition of the sea as a link between centuries.