Poem Analysis - Lesbos

Introduction: An Ode to Forbidden Love and Eternal Mourning

Charles Baudelaire's "Lesbos" is a passionate and complex poem that celebrates the island of Lesbos as a haven for same-sex love, specifically lesbian love, while simultaneously acknowledging its inherent tragedy and isolation. The poem's tone is a mixture of admiration, longing, and melancholy, moving between descriptions of sensual pleasure and the acknowledgment of societal judgment and historical sorrow. There is a pervasive sense of defiance against conventional morality and a deep empathy for the plight of those who exist outside its boundaries. The poem serves as both a celebration and an elegy, creating a powerful and haunting portrait of Lesbos.

The Enduring Power of Forbidden Love

One of the primary themes of "Lesbos" is the transcendent power of love, particularly love that exists outside societal norms. The poem repeatedly emphasizes the intense passion and sensual experiences of the women of Lesbos, using vivid imagery to depict their kisses and embraces. Lines like "Lesbos, where kisses, languishing or joyous, / Burning as the sun's light, cool as melons," convey the intensity and multifaceted nature of their love. Baudelaire suggests that this love, despite being condemned by some, is a force that can defy both "Heaven and Hell," indicating its inherent divinity and its ability to exist beyond moral constraints. The poem elevates this forbidden love to something sacred, even suggesting that Venus, the goddess of love, is envious of Sappho.

Lesbos as a Sanctuary and a Site of Suffering

The poem also explores the theme of Lesbos as both a sanctuary and a site of suffering. While the island is portrayed as a place where women can freely express their love and desire, it is also haunted by the memory of Sappho's tragic fate. The recurring image of the poet watching from Leucadia's summit, searching for Sappho's "worshipped body," underscores the island's eternal mourning and the sense of loss that permeates its existence. Lesbos, therefore, becomes a symbol of the inherent contradictions within a marginalized community: a place of refuge and liberation, yet also a reminder of the pain and sacrifice that often accompany such freedom.

Defiance Against Societal Judgement

Another important theme of the poem is the defiance against societal judgement and conventional morality. Baudelaire directly confronts figures like "old Plato" and questions which of the gods would dare to judge Lesbos. This challenge to established authority highlights the poem's rebellious spirit and its rejection of traditional values. The poem suggests that the "excess of kisses" and "inexhaustible refinements of love" found on Lesbos are enough to earn pardon, implying that love, in its purest form, is inherently good and deserving of acceptance, regardless of societal disapproval. This defiance is further reinforced by the assertion that "love will laugh at Heaven and at Hell," suggesting that love transcends all earthly and divine laws.

Symbols of Intense Passion and Eternal Grief

The poem is rich with symbolism and vivid imagery. Kisses are a recurring symbol, depicted as both "languishing or joyous" and "like cascades," emphasizing the intensity and multifaceted nature of the love on Lesbos. The sea is another powerful symbol, representing both the vastness and depth of the emotions experienced on the island, as well as the source of Sappho's tragic demise. The image of Sappho herself serves as a central symbol, embodying both the artistic and romantic spirit of Lesbos and the pain of societal rejection and personal despair. The "dark mystery / Of unbridled laughter mingled with tears of gloom" encapsulates the complex and often contradictory emotions that define the island's identity. Is the image of Sappho's body not being found an indication of the impossibility of fully escaping societal judgment?

Conclusion: A Lasting Elegy for a Lost Paradise

In conclusion, "Lesbos" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, suffering, and defiance in the context of a marginalized community. Baudelaire's masterful use of imagery and symbolism creates a lasting impression of the island as both a paradise of sensual pleasure and a site of eternal mourning. The poem's significance lies in its unflinching portrayal of same-sex love, its challenge to conventional morality, and its enduring elegy for a lost ideal, forever haunted by the memory of Sappho. It's a celebration and a lament all in one, leaving the reader with a profound sense of both beauty and sorrow.