Description
In this two-meeting course, we will explore the work of Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) and the Symbolist movement in poetry. Often misunderstood as a “secret code” that obscures meaning, Symbolism uses imagery, emotion, and suggestion to layer multiple dimensions of meaning within a poem. By closely reading a selection of Rimbaud’s poems in both French and English, we will uncover how Symbolist techniques invite readers to experience deeper resonances rather than straightforward interpretations. This course, designed for poetry enthusiasts, invites participants to engage with the lasting impact of Rimbaud’s innovations and Symbolist poetics. No knowledge of French is necessary to participate.
Barbara Thimm is a writer, translator, and educator. Her translations of selected poems by Timothy Donnelly and Mary Jo Bang were published by luxbooks in Germany. “A Discovery Behind the House,” the translation of a short story by Ror Wolf, appeared in Asymptote. She lives in Cambridge with her husband and two sons.
