THE THEATRICAL IMAGINATION OF ARTHUR RIMBAUD

Abstract

This article explores the theatrical inspiration in Rimbaud's vision and expression. It argues that theatricality is intrinsic to Rimbaud's poetry and that it manifests itself in a host of ways throughout the canon. From characters to stage lighting, from musical and operatic elemnts to all types of performances, Rimbaud's work is replete with references to the stage world. A variety of critics have identified these elements but there has been no coherent, sustained analysis of the phenomenon. The article identifies the range of theatrical terminologuy in Rimbaud's work and then begins its detailed analysis by a consideration of Rimbaud's decors and mises en scene. From there we move to the function of colour and light which can be seen in 'Le Bateau ivre' and is such a feature of the Illuminations in poems like 'Metropolitain' and 'Aube'. Song and music also feature prominently and the piece examines Rimbaud's self -definition as an opera fabuleux. All of these elements at times fuse, especially in Rimbaud's poemes-fete where he conjures up celebratory performances linked to epiphany as in 'Parade'. Rimbaud himself revels in a multiplicity of imaginative identities in his poetry and in the Illuminations he is the inventor, the child, the sage, the mystic, the musician tio name but a few of his preferred roles.This can be traced throughout his poetry as can his notion that the poem istelf becomes a performance. Again, it is in the Illuminations that this feature is most manifest through poems like 'Parade', 'Scenes' and 'Fairy'. We see poems as tales or prayers with irony and parody used in these instances; particularly arresting beginnings and finales; and a dynamic deployment of punctuation. The prose poems become special linguistic performances as Rimbaud lays on a poetic parade for his readers.