Spatial Structure in Saint-Simonian Poetics
99
ple”, which will be analysed presently) is the solar plexus. Composed
of a network of nerve endings, the solar plexus is promoted since it
presents a figure of immediate, delocalized sensation. Duveyrier is
keen to emphasize the interplay of the internal vitality of the individual and its external milieu, hinting that poetic subjectivity emerges at
the point of contact between the subject and a complex and continually changing material environment. Consequently, his poem privileges qualities of extroversion and sensual immediacy over those of
inward-looking contemplation and reflection, as in the persistent exclamatory utterances which litter the text (“Paris!”, “Parthénon!”,
“Alhambra!”, “Terre!”). In other instances, fresh sensual analogies are
evoked:
Ce sera comme une corbeille de fleurs et de fruits, aux formes suaves, aux couleurs
tendres; de larges pelouses comme des feuilles les sépareront et fourmilleront de
troupes d’enfants comme de grappes d’abeilles.
[…]
Les rues sont sinueuses comme des anneaux qui s’entrelacent. Les murs sont
couchés à terre, fermes et gonflés comme le turban d’un pacha, ou suspendus en l’air
transparents et légers en des tresses de roseaux.
Il s’élève du sol des colonnades et des voûtes qui sont semblables à des champs de
plantes grasses dont les larges feuilles s’unissent en arceaux massifs, ou à des forêts
de minces bambous au sommet desquels reposent des cloches, comme les fleurs sur
leur [sic] tiges.
18
Here colour, texture and shape are augmented, setting the objects
viewed in a new light and reflecting a novel organization of experience. Moreover, exotic motifs such as the “plantes grasses” and
“minces bambous” are awarded equal prominence to those of urban
reconfiguration since they similarly imply a stimulation of the senses.
The massively comprehensive aesthetic vision implied in Duveyrier’s vision is also a feature of the poetry of Michel Chevalier, in
particular his 1833 poem entitled “Le Temple”.
19 The poem describes
an enormous temple which combines multiple architectural and organic references. On a thematic level, the text presents an alliance of
technological advance with sensual excitement and exoticism. Its
enumeration of a telegraph pole, lightning conductor, lighthouse, gaslights and other technical additions to the edifice artificially stimulate
___________________________
18 Duveyrier, “La Ville nouvelle”, pp. 224, 231.
19 Michel Chevalier, “Le Temple”, in Barrault, Émile and others, Le Livre nouveau,
pp. 237-43.
99
ple”, which will be analysed presently) is the solar plexus. Composed
of a network of nerve endings, the solar plexus is promoted since it
presents a figure of immediate, delocalized sensation. Duveyrier is
keen to emphasize the interplay of the internal vitality of the individual and its external milieu, hinting that poetic subjectivity emerges at
the point of contact between the subject and a complex and continually changing material environment. Consequently, his poem privileges qualities of extroversion and sensual immediacy over those of
inward-looking contemplation and reflection, as in the persistent exclamatory utterances which litter the text (“Paris!”, “Parthénon!”,
“Alhambra!”, “Terre!”). In other instances, fresh sensual analogies are
evoked:
Ce sera comme une corbeille de fleurs et de fruits, aux formes suaves, aux couleurs
tendres; de larges pelouses comme des feuilles les sépareront et fourmilleront de
troupes d’enfants comme de grappes d’abeilles.
[…]
Les rues sont sinueuses comme des anneaux qui s’entrelacent. Les murs sont
couchés à terre, fermes et gonflés comme le turban d’un pacha, ou suspendus en l’air
transparents et légers en des tresses de roseaux.
Il s’élève du sol des colonnades et des voûtes qui sont semblables à des champs de
plantes grasses dont les larges feuilles s’unissent en arceaux massifs, ou à des forêts
de minces bambous au sommet desquels reposent des cloches, comme les fleurs sur
leur [sic] tiges.
18
Here colour, texture and shape are augmented, setting the objects
viewed in a new light and reflecting a novel organization of experience. Moreover, exotic motifs such as the “plantes grasses” and
“minces bambous” are awarded equal prominence to those of urban
reconfiguration since they similarly imply a stimulation of the senses.
The massively comprehensive aesthetic vision implied in Duveyrier’s vision is also a feature of the poetry of Michel Chevalier, in
particular his 1833 poem entitled “Le Temple”.
19 The poem describes
an enormous temple which combines multiple architectural and organic references. On a thematic level, the text presents an alliance of
technological advance with sensual excitement and exoticism. Its
enumeration of a telegraph pole, lightning conductor, lighthouse, gaslights and other technical additions to the edifice artificially stimulate
___________________________
18 Duveyrier, “La Ville nouvelle”, pp. 224, 231.
19 Michel Chevalier, “Le Temple”, in Barrault, Émile and others, Le Livre nouveau,
pp. 237-43.