Arthur Rimbaud

Jean-Nicolas-Arthur Rimbaud was born in the small French town of Charleville on October 20, 1854. At just 13 years old, he had already won several prizes for his writing and was adept at composing verse. He was in a 2-year-long affair with poet Paul Verlaine, who wound up drunkingly shooting Rimbaud in the hand and went to prision. Rimbaud wrote all of his poetry in a span of about five years, concluding around the year 1875, and spent his final year working abroad in African towns as a tradesman. Although he died from cancer in 1891, his ex-lover Paul Verlaine published his complete works in 1895.

Movement: SurrealismSymbolists

Prevalent Literary Themes: abandonment, liberation, joy

Prevalent Literary Devices: juxtaposition, imagery, allusion, symbolism

When matched to Arthur Rimbaud, it means that similarities have been found between your poetic style and the themes and literary techniques typically seen in works by this famous poet. For example, you might use powerful imagery or juxtaposition in the same way that Rimbaud does. Recognizing these similarities is important because it gives you information about the history of your poetic style, which poets might inspire you, and what writing techniques you should try next.

Which Writing Techniques Should You Try Next?

Try using symbolism and allusion more often. You might also like experimenting with themes of liberation and joy.

Make sure to check out poets.org for more information!