Reading Comprehension: "Sun and Flesh," by Rimbaud

Mr. Steel

I.

1. How does the poet relate to his surroundings in this part of the poem? Explain using evidence.

2. What do you think the poet means when he says, "I long for the lost days of youth"? Explain.

3. Why might Greek mythological visions of the world be attractive to the poet in this stanza?

4. What terrible thing has happened to modern human beings who say, "I know everything"? Explain.

II.

1. What are Rimbaud's stated views on Aphrodite and Christ in this stanza? Explain.

III.

1. Why does Rimbaud feel that "Man is done for" now that his gods are dead? Explain what he sees will replace the old, dead gods.

2. How does Rimbaud propose that "revived" human beings will "redeem" us? Explain.

IV.

1. When the poet connects "flesh" to the "Ideal," what does he mean? From what conception of flesh does Rimbaud seek to escape?

2. What does Rimbaud hope will happen through the idealization of human beings?

3. With what vision of the earth does Rimbaud end his poem? Why?