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Charles Baudelaire Les Fleurs du Mal is perhaps the most inaccurately translated title of any influential piece of literature translated into English. Based upon the context of its synthesis, the consensus for a more appropriate title is The Flowers of de-Generation. Mal is viewed as affliction. Baudelaire isn't conjuring up negatives, he is merely pointing to the potential within the blossoming of humanity for afflictions which could threaten the positive progress of Art and Life. While the darker translation may erroneously give the impression of negative intent, quite the opposite is true. Once again, the theme of opposite irony is itself a theme. Baudelaire may also have left this ambiguity open to ward off those who judge books by their covers. Baudelaire's spiritual psychedelia is another reason to discount the connotations of Les Fleurs du Mal's translation deficiencies. As a member of artistic circles in Paris and throughout France in the mid-1800's, he attended costumed psychedelic theme parties. Artistic raves in the modern era seem to have started with this period. Although Baudelaire later slowed his intake of stimuli in his quest towards nirvana, he retained the desire to uphold the beauty of this great influential time. Based upon his artistic circles, it is possible to conclude that Baudelaire whole-heartedly applauded artistic debauchery for the sake of personal gain. Yet, Baudelaire saw the dangers to Art in corporatization and artistic oligopoly. A "cornered" art market isn't Art but merely a prostituted advertising system that marginalizes Art not signed up with the system. Artistic oligopoly and the unconscionable legal wine which fuels it's fallacy and existence is to be fought at all costs...
Charles Baudelaire comments on the "scene" Baudelaire's "Parisian Dream" (from Parisian Tableaux ) [English] [French] |