John Ashbery ~ Arthur Rimbaud 'Après Le Déluge' - French & English Subtitles

Poet John Ashbery came to New York University's La Maison Française to read from his new book of translations of Rimbaud's 1886 prose poems " Illuminations" and to be presented with yet another honor, a medal of the Center for French Civilization and Culture. First he was interviewed by poet Ron Padgett who sits besides him in the video.. Next the prose poem "Après le Déluge" was read flawlessly in French by an NYU grad student whose name wasn't given. ( If anybody knows it, please send me a message.) After, John Ashbery presents his English translation, "After the Flood."

What happens after the flood? Here flood, as in biblical times, represents the purification of the human race. But after, sadly, Rimbaud shows it as returning to what it was about before: commerce, cruelty and cowardliness which grasps at false piety. The "precious stones " are buried in the earth again. It's so boring! ("C'est l'ennui".) He then calls for the floods to rise again, despite the sorrow and destruction they bring. Calling for the flood to return to alleviate boredom is a twisted idea, imagine presenting it in New Orleans! Some analysts explain the deluge metaphorically as the revolutionary spirt, which was how the word "déluge" was understood in Rimbaud's time.

For a deeper understanding of the symbolism in this poem if you can read French go here:
http://abardel.free.fr/petite_anthologie/deluge_panorama.htm

You will find out things like how this poem may relate to the socialist revolutionary Communards of Paris and their destruction by the church, why Madame X set up a piano in the Alps, and that there really was a Hotel Splendide which was a luxury hotel for wealthy Brits which burned down. Rimbaud sent it to be rebuilt at the North Pole, changing fire to ice and darkness, and putting the English millionaires at a distance where he would have them. You will find out who Eucharis is and Bluebeard . I was fairly lost in two languages until I read this piece although I had studied the poem in school long ago. There was no discussion or Q & A after the presentation. This event took place May 12, 2011 in New York City.

See also:

The Illuminated Text - John Ashbery translates Rimbaud

TIME 10 Questions: 10 Questions for Poet John Ashbery

The Instruction Manual - How to read John Ashbery