Chastelard, a Tragedy (ePub)

Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) was an English poet, playwright, novelist, and critic who became one of the most prominent figures in the Victorian literary scene. He was renowned for his lyrical poetry and its preoccupation with themes of love, rebellion, and the pursuit of beauty. Swinburne's style was marked by intricate rhythms and the use of unconventional meters which were considered innovative and sometimes scandalous during his time. A defining characteristic of his work is the sensual and sometimes sadomasochistic imagery which, along with his pagan themes, often provoked critical backlash. Swinburne's influences ranged from the Greek tragedians to his contemporaries, such as Charles Baudelaire and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. His first major poetic work was 'Atalanta in Calydon' (1865), which received wide acclaim, while his reputation for drama was established with 'Chastelard, a Tragedy' (1865), a play reflecting his fascination with historical and ill-fated love. Swinburne's voluminous output spanned across various forms, including lyric poetry, epic poems, and several plays. His commitment to art for art's sake was integral to the Aesthetic Movement, attempting to free art from moral and didactic constraints. Despite his provocations and sometimes tumultuous life, Swinburne continues to be celebrated for his mastery of verse and the passionate intensity of his work. His contributions significantly influenced the subsequent symbolist and modernist movements within literature.