The poem "Autumn Song" by Paul Verlaine serves as an exemplar of how literary atmosphere can be crafted with technical finesse. Verlaine focuses on familiar themes—such as melancholia and nostalgia—with an aim to present them in a rejuvenated form to his contemporaries. This endeavor is not confined to his initial collection but permeates his entire oeuvre. For Verlaine, poetry transcends the realms of social or moral commentary, presenting itself as an exploration of aesthetic and technical mastery.

Verlaine's poetic philosophy is centered on the intricate balance of structure and harmony, where forms and sounds play a pivotal role. He believes that a poem should not merely depict a sensation but must encapsulate the very essence of the emotion it seeks to convey. This approach underscores his commitment to poetry as a vehicle of pure artistic expression, where the technical elements are meticulously aligned to evoke the intended atmosphere.

The Symbolist poets, often labeled as "decadents," were not just critiqued for their lifestyles but also for their distinctive approach to poetry. This term, frequently associated with dandyism, was used to describe the work of artists like Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, and Stéphane Mallarmé. Their poetry was marked by a particular vision and aesthetic that sought to transcend conventional representation. Particularly, Verlaine's point of view in his poetry provides a window into a world perceived by someone weary and uninterested in the ordinary. His work, "Autumn Song," stands as a testament to the Symbolists' mission to rejuvenate poetry by going beyond the monotonous norms of their time.

Verlaine felt "wounded" by the repetitive and uninspired music of the era, which mirrored the lackluster and cumbersome poetry that failed to innovate. The Symbolists were disillusioned with poetry that catered to the middle class's moralistic tastes, favoring instead a profound, intellectual engagement. Their poetry was imbued with unexpected associations and arcane symbols, targeting a more refined and discerning audience who could appreciate such depth.

"Autumn Song" exemplifies this complex and nuanced style. The poem subtly nods to Charles Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du mal (translated as Flowers of Evil), which Baudelaire himself referred to as "Saturnian." This alludes to a select group of readers who could perceive the underlying tribute amidst the poem's apparent simplicity. Verlaine, through his deft use of symbolism and allusion, aligns with the Symbolists' broader pursuit: to craft poetry that challenges and elevates, resonating deeply with those who seek intellectual and aesthetic fulfillment.

The poet finds himself ensnared in a paradox, wielding mastery over the art of poetry while remaining powerless against the tide of sadness that sweeps over him. His verses are meticulously sculpted, each line a testament to his dedication to craft, yet his personal life drifts aimlessly, marked by chaotic meanderings "now here, now there." This contrast is stark: the refined control evident in his writing stands in sharp relief to the turbulent emotions that leave him feeling "harried and sped," devoid of any semblance of composure.

In his work, Verlaine offers a subtle admonition: "Look to the poem," he urges, "not to the poet." He cautions readers against conflating the artist with the art, suggesting that to do so is to invite deception. The Symbolist narrator’s appearance of passivity is an artful disguise, concealing the fervent, enthusiastic, and painstaking effort that births such revolutionary poetry. Beneath the surface of apparent ease lies an intense dedication to crafting verses that resonate with depth and innovation, free from the tumult that personal emotion imposes on the poet's life.