Vowels (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Arthur Rimbaud
- First Published: 1883
- Type of Work: Sonnet
- Genres: Poetry, Sonnet
- Subjects: Language or languages, North America or North Americans, Native Americans or American Indians, Death or dying, Gods or goddesses, Drinking or drunkenness, Blood, Universe, Alchemy, Inuit, Vision, Flies
The Poem
Arthur Rimbaud’s sonnet “Vowels” follows the standard Petrarchan form of octave and sestet, in Alexandrine lines. While Rimbaud’s use of imagery was highly experimental, he retained traditional verse forms.
The opening line, which gives the sonnet its name, has caused considerable critical comment and interpretation. Rimbaud simply names the five vowels, linking each to a color: “A black, E white, I red, U green, O blue: vowels.” Questions immediately arise concerning why he links certain vowels to certain colors.
Rimbaud seems quite aware...
[The entire page is 1601 words long]
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