Lecture Notes: Guillaume Apollinaire and His Contribution to Poetry

Introduction to Guillaume Apollinaire

• Renowned early 20th-century French poet.
• Contemporary of artists like Picasso, Rousseau, and Chagall.
• Coined the term "surrealism."
• Suspected (though not guilty) of the 1911 Mona Lisa theft.
• Known for combining text and images in innovative ways.

Historical Context

• Lived in late 19th and early 20th century Paris.
• Montmartre and Montparnasse were artist havens due to low rent.
• Part of France's bohemian subculture.

Role and Influence

• Art critic and poet, champion of the avant-garde.
• Explained cubism and surrealism, defended young artists.
• Passionate about various art forms, including medieval literature, calligraphy.

Vision and Artistic Contribution

• Identified the divide between traditional art and new forms (surrealism, cubism, cinema, phonograph).
• Created the "calligram."

The Calligram

• Defined: A poem picture, written portrait, thoughts drawing.
• Purpose: To push poetry beyond traditional text and verse.
• Notable works:
  • "Lettre-Océan": Funny; visual before textual; hints at cubism.
  • "La Colombe Poignardée et le jet d'eau": Dedicated to deceased friends.
  • "Il Pleut": Emotional expression.
• Description of "Il Pleut":
  • Imagery: Rain as women's voices, a reflection of emotional depth.
  • Intended to break traditional poetry experience.

Analysis of "Lettre-Océan"

• Visual and textual elements merge.
• Imagery of aerial Eiffel Tower view.
• Tribute to telegraph's electromagnetic waves.

Significance

• Calligrams as snapshots of bohemian Paris.
• Reflects the innovative spirit and future aspirations of artists like Apollinaire.
• Captures the passion and excitement of the time.