That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity β that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
It would be difficult for me not to conclude that the most perfect type of masculine beauty is Satan, as portrayed by Milton.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Baudelaire suggests that Satan, as depicted by Milton, embodies an ideal form of masculine beauty.
In this quote, Charles Baudelaire expresses his admiration for the character of Satan as presented in John Milton's work, 'Paradise Lost.' He views Satan not merely as a figure of evil but as the epitome of masculinity and beauty, highlighting how literature can shape our perceptions of aesthetic ideals and complex characters.
Themes
SatanBeautyMasculinityArtLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
A discussion on the representation of evil in literature can cite this quote to highlight contrasting views of beauty.
More from Charles Baudelaire
All quotes βThe dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
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Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
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There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
Charles BaudelaireRead
The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
Charles BaudelaireRead
I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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