Poem Analysis - What Will You Say Tonight Poor Solitary Soul

Introduction: A Soul Revived by Beauty

Charles Baudelaire's "What Will You Say Tonight, Poor Solitary Soul" is a poem of profound adoration and spiritual awakening. The tone shifts from a somber, almost defeated questioning at the beginning to an ecstatic celebration of beauty and its transformative power. The poem explores the rejuvenating effect of idealized love on a previously desolate soul, painting a picture of a heart reborn through the gaze of a divine woman. This rebirth is depicted through vivid imagery and a reverence bordering on religious devotion.

The Metamorphosis of the Soul Through Love

One of the central themes is the transformative power of love. The poem begins with the speaker addressing his "poor solitary soul" and "heart once so withered," highlighting a state of emotional decay. However, this state is immediately contrasted with the arrival of a woman whose "divine glance suddenly revived you." This suggests that love, or at least the presence of this idealized woman, acts as a catalyst for renewal. The heart, once withered, is now capable of feeling and expressing adoration, implying a complete emotional and spiritual rebirth. The translations also use wordings of "re-bloom" and "open like a flower" to demonstrate the metamorphosis.

Beauty as a Divine and Guiding Force

Another key theme is the deification of beauty. The woman is not simply beautiful; she is "the kindest, dearest, the fairest of women," with a "divine glance." Her "spiritual flesh has the fragrance of Angels," elevating her to a near-divine status. Further reinforcing this is the repeated reference to her as a "Guardian Angel, Muse and Madonna." This suggests that beauty, embodied by this woman, is not just an aesthetic quality but a moral and spiritual guide. The poem suggests that the love of beauty leads to a higher plane of existence and inspires artistic creation and spiritual fulfillment. The fact that she "commands/That for your love of me you love only Beauty" supports this idea.

The Interplay of Light and Darkness

The poem utilizes light and darkness as recurring symbols to represent the speaker's emotional state and the impact of the beloved. The "poor solitary soul" exists in a metaphorical darkness before the arrival of the woman. Her presence, however, brings light and illumination. "When she looks upon us we are clothed with light." This imagery extends to the "torch flame" that represents her image dancing in the air. The flame pierces the darkness, suggesting that her presence, even in absence, continues to guide and inspire. The juxtaposition of "the darkness of night" and "the city street among the multitude" further emphasizes the pervasive influence of her beauty, which transcends both solitude and public life.

Ambiguity of the "Phantom"

The "phantom" or "image" of the woman "dances like a torch flame" introduces an element of ambiguity. Is this phantom a representation of the woman herself, or is it an idealized version of her that exists only in the speaker's mind? Does the poem suggest that the true source of inspiration and renewal is not the woman herself, but the speaker's perception of her beauty? The fact that the phantom speaks suggests that it is more than just a visual image; it is a powerful internal force that dictates the speaker's actions and beliefs. This raises a question about the nature of idealized love and its potential to both inspire and perhaps distort reality.

Conclusion: A Hymn to Beauty and Rebirth

In conclusion, "What Will You Say Tonight, Poor Solitary Soul" is a powerful exploration of the transformative power of idealized love and beauty. Through vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and a shift from despair to adoration, Baudelaire crafts a hymn to a woman whose presence revives a withered soul. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to capture the intensity of romantic longing and the profound impact that the perception of beauty can have on the human spirit. The poem suggests that beauty, when properly revered, can act as a guide, a muse, and a source of spiritual rebirth.