Jadis et naguère
Quick Summary
Jadis et naguère (Yesteryear and Yesterday) is a collection of poems by Paul Verlaine, published in 1885. This work primarily consists of poems written earlier in his career but not included in previous collections. It is notable for containing his influential manifesto poem, "L'Art poétique" (The Art of Poetry).12
In "L'Art poétique," Verlaine outlines his theories on poetry, emphasizing musicality, suggestion, and psychological nuance over explicit meaning. He advocated for the use of odd-numbered syllable lines (vers impair), ambiguous syntax, and the juxtaposition of abstract and concrete concepts to create a unique poetic effect. This approach significantly advanced the technical possibilities of French verse.12
Verlaine is considered a key figure in the transition from Romanticism to Symbolism, and his work, including Jadis et naguère, influenced the Decadent movement.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
