When did Rimbaud die?
Arthur Rimbaud died in 1891 after suffering a leg amputation and prolonged fever.
His sister Isabelle was with him at the hospital in France. His sister claims he converted
to religion at the very end but her statements are not considered reliable.
Though he had abandoned poetry decades earlier, upon his death Rimbaud apparently spouted some remarkable statements.
What happened? Was he ill?
Best guesses are bone cancer, infection or syphilis.
Who was Paul Verlaine?
Verlaine was an older, established poet who lived in Paris. Verlaine invited
the young Rimbaud to visit him after receiving "The Drunken Boat" via
post from Rimbaud. It is not clear whether Verlaine was an established
homosexual; however, after spending sufficient time with Rimbaud he began a long
sexual relationship with the boy. Rimbaud is thought to have been bisexual,
given that he later took a native bride in Ethiopia.
Why did Rimbaud give up poetry at such a young age?
Not content to repeat the voyage into hell of his youth, Rimbaud turned his
thoughts to his father's life on the road. As a child Rimbaud dreamed of
becoming a
capitalist, exploring foreign lands and getting rich. It was a complete
reincarnation for Rimbaud, and he left his bohemian past behind him forever.
See also Biography,
Biographies
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