Paul Claudel (1868–1955) was a French poet, essayist, and dramatist. The younger brother of the sculptor Camille Claudel, he was a diplomat, serving for his five years as France’s ambassador to the U.S. He is notable for his verse dramas, which usually convey his devout Catholicism.
Born in Villeneuve-sur-Fere, Claudel joined the diplomatic service and held posts in many parts of the world. With this experience and the Symbolists’ early influence, Claudel added lyrical inspiration and their prophetic tone enthused by his faith.
Claudel’s dramas, of which the most celebrated are L’Annonce faite à Marie (1912; Tidings Brought to Mary, 1916,) Partage de midi (1905; Break of Noon, 1960,) L’Otage (1909; The Hostage, 1917,) and Le Soulier de satin (1921; The Satin Slipper, 1931,) have a Wagnerian grandeur and, in many cases, anti-Protestant violence that makes them too strong for popular taste.
Claudel wrote memorable poetry—Cinq grandes odes (1910; Five Great Odes, 1967) and Corona benignitatis Anni Dei (1915; Coronal, 1943)—and the libretti for two operas: Jeanne d’Arc (1943, ‘Joan of Arc at the Stake;’ music by Arthur Honegger) and Le Livre de Christophe Colomb, 1930 (Christopher Columbus, 1930; music by Darius Milhaud.) His later writings were mainly devoted to biblical exegesis. Claudel was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in six different years.
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Intelligence is nothing without delight.
—Paul Claudel
Topics: Intelligence, Pessimism
It is fortunate that diplomats have long noses since they usually cannot see beyond them.
—Paul Claudel
Topics: Politics
Gentlemen, in the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of Champagne.
—Paul Claudel
We must not seek happiness in peace, but in conflict.
—Paul Claudel
Topics: Action, Happiness
All that passes is raised to the dignity of expression; all that happens is raised to the dignity of meaning. Everything is either symbol or parable.
—Paul Claudel
Topics: Dignity
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