Rene Char

Date of Birth: June 14, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 19, 1988

Biography

René Char was a French poet born on June 14, 1907, in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a small town in the Vaucluse department of southeastern France. He is renowned for his profound and often enigmatic poetry, which has been described as a blend of surrealism and existentialism. Char initially aligned himself with the Surrealist movement led by André Breton in the 1920s but distanced himself from the group in the 1930s to pursue his own literary path. During World War II, Char joined the French Resistance under the pseudonym “Capitaine Alexandre.” His experiences during this tumultuous period significantly influenced his work, imbuing it with themes of freedom, resistance, and human dignity. His wartime activities are vividly captured in his prose poem collection “Feuillets d’Hypnos” (1946). René Char’s post-war poetry continued to explore existential themes, and he became a significant figure in French literature, earning widespread respect among his contemporaries and succeeding generations. He passed away on February 19, 1988, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of poetic works that continue to inspire and challenge readers.

5 Interesting Facts about Rene Char

1. René Char was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and operated under the alias “Capitaine Alexandre.”

2. He initially joined the Surrealist movement in the 1920s but broke away in the 1930s to forge his own literary path.

3. His wartime poetry collection “Feuillets d’Hypnos” is considered one of his most significant works, reflecting his resistance experiences.

4. Char was a close friend and collaborator of notable artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

5. He was awarded the Grand Prix de Poésie by the French Academy in 1956, recognizing his contributions to French literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rene Char

1. “To suffer from the ache of separation is better than to suffer from the ache of a forced togetherness.”

2. “Imagination is not an extension of life; it is the exultation of life.”

3. “A poem is always a journey, a journey of discovery.”

4. “One can always find the sun within oneself if one searches.”

5. “Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

René Char’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as poets typically do not achieve significant financial wealth from their literary works. His value is more cultural and intellectual than monetary.