The poetry and poetic criticism of Charles Le Goffic

Abstract

Charles Le Goffic was born at Lannion in Brittany in 1863. His father, a printer by trade, was purely Breton in origin but his mother came of Italian stock. His early youth was spent in Lannion and he began writing verse while still at school. After obtaining his Licence he taught for a few years but finally devoted himself entirely to writing. He -produced not only poetry and novels but also war studies, critical works and articles. He became a member of the Academy in 1930 but died only a few months later in 190 S. From his critical articles we gain an excellent idea of his conception of poetry. These articles, written on the recommendation of Charles Maurras, appeared chiefly in the Revue Hebdomadaire from 1906-1914. They show keen insight and appreciation and a spirit of independence. He discusses the works of Albert Samain, Francis Jammes, Frederic Plessis, Henri de Regnier, Moreas, Claudel, the Comtesse de Noailles and many others, and he gives his views on Romanticism, the "Parnassiens" and the Symbolists. We feel that he prefers the "juste milieu" in poetry for his sympathies lie with those who do not innovate too freely. Although three of his novels have earned praise, most critics are agreed that his poetry is his finest achievement. It is contained in two small volumes entitled "Amour Breton". Charles Le Goffic writes of the moorlands and sea, Breton sailors and Breton women, their legends, superstitions and religion. He inherited from his father certain mystic tendencies which are revealed in his poetry and from his mother, perhaps, his classical leanings. Some of his finest poems are his love lyrics which recall the poems of Verlaine. Although he may be said to have created the Breton "lied" in French he frequented all the schools of, poetry and remains therefore an eminent lyric poet in the purest French tradition.