Charles Baudelaire: The Poet of Modernity

Charles Baudelaire, often hailed as the father of modern poetry, was a complex and enigmatic figure whose life and work left an indelible mark on French literature and culture. Born on April 9, 1821, in Paris, Baudelaire’s tumultuous existence was marked by a constant struggle between creativity and despair, passion and addiction. From his groundbreaking collection of poems, “Les Fleurs du mal” (The Flowers of Evil), to his profound insights into the nature of beauty and decadence, Baudelaire remains one of the most influential figures in the history of literature. This biography aims to explore the life, works, and legacy of this enigmatic poet in detail.

Early Life and Education

Charles Pierre Baudelaire was born to François Baudelaire, a former priest turned civil servant, and Caroline Archimbaut-Dufays, in Paris, France. His father died when he was just six years old, leaving him in the care of his mother and his strict disciplinarian stepfather, Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Aupick. Despite the early loss of his father, Baudelaire was raised in a relatively privileged environment, attending prestigious schools such as the Collège Royal de Lyon and the Lycée Louis-le-Grand.

Baudelaire’s childhood was marked by a sense of alienation and rebellion against the societal norms of the time. He was drawn to the…