THE OWLS by: Charles Baudelaire UNDER the overhanging…
““THE OWLS by: Charles Baudelaire UNDER the overhanging yews, The dark owls sit in solemn state, Like stranger gods; by twos and twos Their red eyes gleam. They meditate. Motionless thus they sit and dream Until that melancholy hour When, with the sun's last fading gleam, The nightly shades assume their power. From their still attitude the wise Will learn with terror to despise All tumult, movement, and unrest; For he who follows every shade, Carries the memory in his breast, Of each unhappy journey made. 'The Owls' is reprinted from The Poems and Prose Poems of Charles Baudelaire. Ed. James Huneker. New York: Brentano's, 1919.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem portrays owls as solemn, meditative beings, warning against restless activity and urging contemplation of melancholy.
In simple terms: Owls symbolize stillness and the danger of constant motion.
Key Takeaway
Value quiet reflection over endless turmoil.
Themes
stillness
melancholy
wisdom
nature
contemplation
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
literary
poetic
When to use this quote
- nighttime meditation
- creative writing
- mental health coping
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
symbolism
existentialism
nature metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does stillness teach us about life?
- When is movement necessary?
A Different Perspective
Silence may breed stagnation if not balanced with action.