Who was Arthur Rimbaud?
Arthur Rimbaud was an adolescent french poet. He scandalized Paris with his wild behavior. His brief career lasted until he was 21. His work went on to inspire generations of poets and songwriters. When did Rimbaud die? Arthur Rimbaud died in 1891 after suffering a leg amputation and prolonged fever. His sister Isabelle was with him at the hospital in France. His sister claims he converted to religion at the very end but her statements are not considered reliable. Though he had abandoned poetry decades earlier, upon his death Rimbaud apparently spouted some remarkable statements. What happened? Was he ill? Best guesses are bone cancer, infection or syphilis. Who was Paul Verlaine? Verlaine was an older, established poet who lived in Paris. Verlaine invited the young Rimbaud to visit him after receiving “The Drunken Boat” via post from Rimbaud. It is not clear whether Verlaine was an established homosexual; however, after spending sufficient time with Rimbaud he began a long sexual rela
