Theophile Gautier ("Dedication")
A poet, critic, and literary figure to whom Baudelaire dedicates Les Fleurs de Mal. Gautier was known for his idiosyncratic behavior, his astute writings, and his espousal of "art for art's sake."
Ennui ("To the Reader")
Ennui is a monstrous apparition who cavorts with a menagerie of evil creatures. He sits and smokes his pipe and dreams of scaffolds. By instilling apathy, he dissuades us from the path of virtue. We all know him, Baudelaire says, and we all his victims.
The Poet's Mother ("Benediction")
A monstrous and cruel woman who rails against God for punishing her for one night of lust with a child— the poet.
The Albatross ("The Albatross")
A symbol of the Poet and of Christ, the albatross is a noble bird brought down by cruel sailors, who mock and play with him.
The Artists ("The Beacons")
The great Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic painters Leonardo, Michelangelo, Delacroix, Puget, Watteau, Goya, Rubens, and Rembrandt are important figures whose art conveys the deepest and profoundest sentiments. Their art brings meaning to life and soothes like opium. They are possessed of singular visions, their images turned into words by Baudelaire.
Don Juan ("Don Juan in Hell")
The legendary Spanish womanizer who travels down into Hell of his own volition. He is stoic, stern, and reticent, even as those around him in Hell try and provoke him.
Theology ("Punishment for Pride")
Theology is energetic and prideful, and elevates himself to a lofty position. He is brought down by that pride, though, and forced to wander about "useless and ugly as a wornout thing."
The Statue (“The Mask [Allegorical Statue in the Style of the Renaissance]")
A graceful and strong female, slim but robust. She has a mischievous and sensuous gaze and is an emblem of beauty to Baudelaire. He is shocked to see that she is actually crying piteously, though, due to the horrors of existence.
The Carcass ("A Carcass")
A grotesque but sexually appealing dead woman lying on the road, being devoured by maggots and flies and a dog. She is a symbol of imminent death.
The Jewish Whore ("Beside a monstrous Jewish whore...")
A prostitute Baudelaire sleeps next to, who causes him to dream of another, more beloved, woman.
The Devil ("Completely One")
The Devil tries to push Baudelaire into focusing on the woman's sexual attributes but the poet deflects and focuses on her wholeness, as in her grace and beauty.
Madonna ("To a Madonna")
Baudelaire first describes the Immaculate Madonna then the Madonna of Sorrows with the seven deadly sins represented by daggers planted in her heart.
Sisina ("Sisina")
A name given to Baudelaire's muse Mme Sabatier's friend, Elisa Nieri, who was a radical sympathizer with the Italian revolutionaries. She both loves and fights in this poem.
Francisca ("Praises for My Francisca")
A lovely, idyllic, beautiful, and virtuous woman whom Baudelaire admires and worships.
The Creole Lady ("For a Creole Lady")
The wife of someone in Baudelaire's circle, she is amber-skinned, exotic, and lovely.
The Moon ("Sorrows of the Moon")
The moon is beautiful, indolent, and melancholy; her tears drop to the earth and are seen only by the poet. She mimics his own sorrows.
Hate ("The Cask of Hate")
Hate is endless, powerful, and sucks her victims dry.
