Researchers

Dr. Maya Hadeh

Published in

Graphè, Caïn et Abel (n°29), March 2020.

Abstract

Genesis 4 sets the scene for Abel and Cain conflict, which culminates in God’s different reaction to their sacrifices. God’s unexplained preference for the sacrifice of Abel constituted a major interpretive dilemma for the French poet Charles Baudelaire. In his eponymous poem, Baudelaire invite the reader to speculate on the omission of an explicit motive for the fratricide of Abel.

In this study, we examine how Baudelaire revise the biblical story of Cain and how the main aspects of this legend have been altered in his works. We will show how his writing, which deals with issues concerning freedom an rebellion against unfair authority, aims to metamorphose the first murderer in history to a hero of the reprobated humanity.

Key words: Charles Baudelaire, Cain and Abel, Bible, murder, rebellion.

Link to Issue

http://apu.univ-artois.fr/Revues-et-collections/Graphe/Cain-et-Abel-n-29