Poem Analysis - The End Of The Day

Introduction: Yearning for Repose

Charles Baudelaire's "The End of the Day" is a poignant exploration of weariness and the desire for escape from the harsh realities of the world. The poem opens with a depiction of a chaotic and unpleasant existence, contrasting sharply with the tranquility sought in the arrival of night. The tone is initially critical and almost disgusted, gradually shifting towards a sense of longing and weary resignation as the speaker anticipates solace in darkness. The poem ultimately offers a glimpse into the poet's inner world, revealing a soul in search of respite from the burdens of life.

The World's Harsh Reality vs. The Poet's Inner Turmoil

The poem establishes a clear dichotomy between the external world and the poet's internal state. The "impudent Life" that "runs and dances" is depicted as noisy and meaningless, a stark contrast to the poet's yearning for quietude. This world, described as filled with "treason" in one translation, represents the chaotic and often unpleasant aspects of human existence that weigh heavily on the speaker. This external reality fuels the poet's internal turmoil, leading to the "gloomy dreams" and the feeling that his "spirit, like my vertebrae, / Passionately invokes repose." The poet's internal state is not one of peace, even anticipating sleep, but one filled with a heavy heart and a deep desire for rest.

Night as a Symbol of Escape and Oblivion

Night functions as a central symbol of escape and oblivion in the poem. It is presented as a force that "assuaging all, even hunger, / Effacing all, even shame," suggesting a release from the physical and emotional burdens of the day. This "voluptuous night" is not simply a time of rest, but an active agent of comfort and erasure. The curtains into which the poet wishes to "wrap myself" are further extensions of this symbolism, representing a barrier between the self and the outside world, a cocoon of darkness and silence that promises temporary relief from the pain of existence. The image of being "coiled" and "roll myself" evokes a sense of seeking complete enclosure and protection within this darkness.

The Burden of Consciousness and the Poet's Weariness

One of the significant themes explored is the burden of consciousness and the specific weariness felt by the poet. The poem suggests that the poet, as an individual deeply sensitive to the world's harshness, is particularly affected by its "noisy" and "impudent" nature. This heightened awareness contributes to the "melancholy dreams" that fill his heart. The line "My spirit, like my weary spine, / Can do with slumber, that is certain," directly links the poet's mental and emotional state to physical fatigue, emphasizing the debilitating effects of prolonged exposure to the world's difficulties. This weariness is not just physical; it is a profound exhaustion of the soul.

Concluding Thoughts: A Solitary Plea for Respite

"The End of the Day" is a deeply personal and resonant poem about the human need for respite from the struggles of life. Baudelaire masterfully uses imagery and symbolism to convey the poet's weariness and longing for escape. The poem's significance lies in its honest portrayal of the burden of consciousness and the enduring human desire for peace and oblivion, even if only temporary, in the face of a chaotic and often disappointing world. Is the poet seeking genuine rest, or simply a temporary escape from confronting the deeper issues that plague his soul? This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to the poem, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of true solace.